I love guide books: travel guides, photography, writing, card making, etc. So soon after finishing grad school, I wanted to find one that would tell me all the big and little things I should know about the real world. Yeah, I know many of it is common sense and figuring things out on your own, but if there was something that would detail as much of it out for me before I went out and "learned from my mistakes," then I wanted to read it.
I wanted to know about the appropriate attire for different situations, how to manage a new relationship and my old-school parents, how to handle a new job and my finances and, later, how to apartment hunt. Oh, and I wanted it all in one book and didn't want to be bored to death with all this info.
Enter The Girl's Guide to Absolutely Everything. When I found this book, I got just what I needed. It even included stuff I didn't even know I wanted to know. The info is presented in a fresh and fun way unlike the other snore fests found in the self-help aisle and has practical tips you'll actually use. (Actually I hope I never have to unclog an overflowing toilet. Ew.) In fact, I loved it so much I bought several copies to give away that following Christmas. And from what I hear, my friends enjoyed it just as much. It's so handy and even though I doubt you'll read it from cover to cover right off the bat, it's a great resource to flip through and search for any answers you need. I still go back to mine when I have a random question (like how long will that produce last in my fridge).
Author Melissa Kirsch asked all the women she knew, "What do you know now that you wish you'd known right after college and in your 20s that would have made your life a lot less difficult, spared you heartache, generally made the transition to life on your own a heck of a lot easier?" This book is their answer.
This week, I'll be giving away a copy of this book to a random winner! Just answer me this: what do you know now that you wish you knew 5, 10 years ago?
And if you follow or subscribe to this blog, you'll get extra entries (but you still have to comment first). A winner will be announced tomorrow night.
CONGRATULATIONS: Odessa is this week's winner!
Image: search.barnesandnoble.com