Author: Nicole Cox Murray
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1669825140
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 165
Book Description
Have you ever thought that you had an itch that only alcohol could scratch? The Sober Sisters have a suggestion. Just be itchy, b*tch. As we say in the hilariously raw, honest, and groundbreaking book (think bite-sized social media-type posts), Don’t Drink Like My Sister, we’ll addict the sh*t out of anything. If you’re looking to Woman Up, Level Up, and Sober Up in a completely innovative way, open this book. We’re positive you won’t regret it. Get to know the real-life OG Sober Sisters through their ups and downs from drinking as tweens in Maryland to navigating “Mommy Wine Culture” as forty-something single moms in both California and North Carolina. Sometimes we don’t hide the cracks in our double lives as well as we think. Especially in a blackout. Hang on tight for the ride of your life. And always remember...keep it simple today. Tammie and Nicole
Don't Drink Like My Sister
Author: Nicole Cox Murray
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1669825140
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 165
Book Description
Have you ever thought that you had an itch that only alcohol could scratch? The Sober Sisters have a suggestion. Just be itchy, b*tch. As we say in the hilariously raw, honest, and groundbreaking book (think bite-sized social media-type posts), Don’t Drink Like My Sister, we’ll addict the sh*t out of anything. If you’re looking to Woman Up, Level Up, and Sober Up in a completely innovative way, open this book. We’re positive you won’t regret it. Get to know the real-life OG Sober Sisters through their ups and downs from drinking as tweens in Maryland to navigating “Mommy Wine Culture” as forty-something single moms in both California and North Carolina. Sometimes we don’t hide the cracks in our double lives as well as we think. Especially in a blackout. Hang on tight for the ride of your life. And always remember...keep it simple today. Tammie and Nicole
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1669825140
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 165
Book Description
Have you ever thought that you had an itch that only alcohol could scratch? The Sober Sisters have a suggestion. Just be itchy, b*tch. As we say in the hilariously raw, honest, and groundbreaking book (think bite-sized social media-type posts), Don’t Drink Like My Sister, we’ll addict the sh*t out of anything. If you’re looking to Woman Up, Level Up, and Sober Up in a completely innovative way, open this book. We’re positive you won’t regret it. Get to know the real-life OG Sober Sisters through their ups and downs from drinking as tweens in Maryland to navigating “Mommy Wine Culture” as forty-something single moms in both California and North Carolina. Sometimes we don’t hide the cracks in our double lives as well as we think. Especially in a blackout. Hang on tight for the ride of your life. And always remember...keep it simple today. Tammie and Nicole
Quit Like a Woman
Author: Holly Whitaker
Publisher: Dial Press
ISBN: 1984825062
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “An unflinching examination of how our drinking culture hurts women and a gorgeous memoir of how one woman healed herself.”—Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Untamed “You don’t know how much you need this book, or maybe you do. Either way, it will save your life.”—Melissa Hartwig Urban, Whole30 co-founder and CEO The founder of the first female-focused recovery program offers a groundbreaking look at alcohol and a radical new path to sobriety. We live in a world obsessed with drinking. We drink at baby showers and work events, brunch and book club, graduations and funerals. Yet no one ever questions alcohol’s ubiquity—in fact, the only thing ever questioned is why someone doesn’t drink. It is a qualifier for belonging and if you don’t imbibe, you are considered an anomaly. As a society, we are obsessed with health and wellness, yet we uphold alcohol as some kind of magic elixir, though it is anything but. When Holly Whitaker decided to seek help after one too many benders, she embarked on a journey that led not only to her own sobriety, but revealed the insidious role alcohol plays in our society and in the lives of women in particular. What’s more, she could not ignore the ways that alcohol companies were targeting women, just as the tobacco industry had successfully done generations before. Fueled by her own emerging feminism, she also realized that the predominant systems of recovery are archaic, patriarchal, and ineffective for the unique needs of women and other historically oppressed people—who don’t need to lose their egos and surrender to a male concept of God, as the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous state, but who need to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own identities and take control of their lives. When Holly found an alternate way out of her own addiction, she felt a calling to create a sober community with resources for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking, so that they might find their way as well. Her resultant feminine-centric recovery program focuses on getting at the root causes that lead people to overindulge and provides the tools necessary to break the cycle of addiction, showing us what is possible when we remove alcohol and destroy our belief system around it. Written in a relatable voice that is honest and witty, Quit Like a Woman is at once a groundbreaking look at drinking culture and a road map to cutting out alcohol in order to live our best lives without the crutch of intoxication. You will never look at drinking the same way again.
Publisher: Dial Press
ISBN: 1984825062
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “An unflinching examination of how our drinking culture hurts women and a gorgeous memoir of how one woman healed herself.”—Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Untamed “You don’t know how much you need this book, or maybe you do. Either way, it will save your life.”—Melissa Hartwig Urban, Whole30 co-founder and CEO The founder of the first female-focused recovery program offers a groundbreaking look at alcohol and a radical new path to sobriety. We live in a world obsessed with drinking. We drink at baby showers and work events, brunch and book club, graduations and funerals. Yet no one ever questions alcohol’s ubiquity—in fact, the only thing ever questioned is why someone doesn’t drink. It is a qualifier for belonging and if you don’t imbibe, you are considered an anomaly. As a society, we are obsessed with health and wellness, yet we uphold alcohol as some kind of magic elixir, though it is anything but. When Holly Whitaker decided to seek help after one too many benders, she embarked on a journey that led not only to her own sobriety, but revealed the insidious role alcohol plays in our society and in the lives of women in particular. What’s more, she could not ignore the ways that alcohol companies were targeting women, just as the tobacco industry had successfully done generations before. Fueled by her own emerging feminism, she also realized that the predominant systems of recovery are archaic, patriarchal, and ineffective for the unique needs of women and other historically oppressed people—who don’t need to lose their egos and surrender to a male concept of God, as the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous state, but who need to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own identities and take control of their lives. When Holly found an alternate way out of her own addiction, she felt a calling to create a sober community with resources for anyone questioning their relationship with drinking, so that they might find their way as well. Her resultant feminine-centric recovery program focuses on getting at the root causes that lead people to overindulge and provides the tools necessary to break the cycle of addiction, showing us what is possible when we remove alcohol and destroy our belief system around it. Written in a relatable voice that is honest and witty, Quit Like a Woman is at once a groundbreaking look at drinking culture and a road map to cutting out alcohol in order to live our best lives without the crutch of intoxication. You will never look at drinking the same way again.
Don't Drink Like My Sister
Author: Nicole Cox Murray
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 9781669825135
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
Have you ever thought that you had an itch that only alcohol could scratch? The Sober Sisters have a suggestion. Just be itchy, b*tch. As we say in the hilariously raw, honest, and groundbreaking book (think bite-sized social media-type posts), Don't Drink Like My Sister, we'll addict the sh*t out of anything. If you're looking to Woman Up, Level Up, and Sober Up in a completely innovative way, open this book. We're positive you won't regret it. Get to know the real-life OG Sober Sisters through their ups and downs from drinking as tweens in Maryland to navigating "Mommy Wine Culture" as forty-something single moms in both California and North Carolina. Sometimes we don't hide the cracks in our double lives as well as we think. Especially in a blackout. Hang on tight for the ride of your life. And always remember...keep it simple today. Tammie and Nicole
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 9781669825135
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
Have you ever thought that you had an itch that only alcohol could scratch? The Sober Sisters have a suggestion. Just be itchy, b*tch. As we say in the hilariously raw, honest, and groundbreaking book (think bite-sized social media-type posts), Don't Drink Like My Sister, we'll addict the sh*t out of anything. If you're looking to Woman Up, Level Up, and Sober Up in a completely innovative way, open this book. We're positive you won't regret it. Get to know the real-life OG Sober Sisters through their ups and downs from drinking as tweens in Maryland to navigating "Mommy Wine Culture" as forty-something single moms in both California and North Carolina. Sometimes we don't hide the cracks in our double lives as well as we think. Especially in a blackout. Hang on tight for the ride of your life. And always remember...keep it simple today. Tammie and Nicole
Get Your Loved One Sober
Author: Robert J Meyers
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1592857752
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 141
Book Description
The first general consumer book ever on the powerful, award-winning, scientifically proven new system of intervention that is turning the recovery field on its head. Historically there have been few options available for individuals seeking help for treatment-resistant loved ones suffering from substance abuse. Co-author Dr. Robert Meyers spent ten years developing a treatment program that helps concerned significant others bth improve the quality of their lives and learn how to make treatment an attractive option for their partners who are substance abusers. Get Your Loved One Sober describes this multi-faceted program that uses supportive, non-confrontational methods to engage substance abusers into treatment. Called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), the program uses scientifically validated behavioral principles to reduce the loved one's substance use and to encourage him or her to seek treatment. Equally important, CRAFT also helps loved ones reduce personal stress and introduce meaningful, new sources of satisfaction into their life. Key Features: --CRAFT is more effective than other types of interventions.This breakthrough new system is sweeping the recovery field. This is its first introduction to the general public. --Contains simple exercises readers can practice at their own pace, with no costly or heart-breaking interventions. --Proven successful for numerous addictions, not just alcoholism.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1592857752
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 141
Book Description
The first general consumer book ever on the powerful, award-winning, scientifically proven new system of intervention that is turning the recovery field on its head. Historically there have been few options available for individuals seeking help for treatment-resistant loved ones suffering from substance abuse. Co-author Dr. Robert Meyers spent ten years developing a treatment program that helps concerned significant others bth improve the quality of their lives and learn how to make treatment an attractive option for their partners who are substance abusers. Get Your Loved One Sober describes this multi-faceted program that uses supportive, non-confrontational methods to engage substance abusers into treatment. Called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), the program uses scientifically validated behavioral principles to reduce the loved one's substance use and to encourage him or her to seek treatment. Equally important, CRAFT also helps loved ones reduce personal stress and introduce meaningful, new sources of satisfaction into their life. Key Features: --CRAFT is more effective than other types of interventions.This breakthrough new system is sweeping the recovery field. This is its first introduction to the general public. --Contains simple exercises readers can practice at their own pace, with no costly or heart-breaking interventions. --Proven successful for numerous addictions, not just alcoholism.
The Sober Truth
Author: Lance Dodes
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN: 0807033162
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A powerful exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry—and how a failed addiction treatment model came to dominate America. “A humane, science-based, global view of addiction . . . an essential, bracing critique of the rehab industry and its ideological foundations that we have much to learn from.” —Gabor Maté M.D., author of In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts Alcoholics Anonymous has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5–10 percent success rate—hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program’s overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Drawing from thirty-five years of clinical practice and firsthand accounts submitted by addicts, Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA’s rise—from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. A powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and the myth that they are a universal solution to addiction, The Sober Truth offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem.
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN: 0807033162
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 225
Book Description
A powerful exposé of Alcoholics Anonymous, 12-step programs, and the rehab industry—and how a failed addiction treatment model came to dominate America. “A humane, science-based, global view of addiction . . . an essential, bracing critique of the rehab industry and its ideological foundations that we have much to learn from.” —Gabor Maté M.D., author of In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts Alcoholics Anonymous has become so infused in our society that it is practically synonymous with addiction recovery. Yet the evidence shows that AA has only a 5–10 percent success rate—hardly better than no treatment at all. Despite this, doctors, employers, and judges regularly refer addicted people to treatment programs and rehab facilities based on the 12-step model. In The Sober Truth, acclaimed addiction specialist Dr. Lance Dodes exposes the deeply flawed science that the 12-step industry has used to support its programs. Dr. Dodes analyzes dozens of studies to reveal a startling pattern of errors, misjudgments, and biases. He also pores over the research to highlight the best peer-reviewed studies available and discovers that they reach a grim consensus on the program’s overall success. But The Sober Truth is more than a book about addiction. It is also a book about science and how and why AA and rehab became so popular, despite the discouraging data. Drawing from thirty-five years of clinical practice and firsthand accounts submitted by addicts, Dr. Dodes explores the entire story of AA’s rise—from its origins in early fundamentalist religious and mystical beliefs to its present-day place of privilege in politics and media. A powerful response to the monopoly of the 12-step program and the myth that they are a universal solution to addiction, The Sober Truth offers new and actionable information for addicts, their families, and medical providers, and lays out better ways to understand addiction for those seeking a more effective and compassionate approach to this treatable problem.
Don't Drink the Water
Author: Susan Rogers Cooper
Publisher: Speaking Volumes
ISBN: 1645400778
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
ONE OF TODAY'S FINEST MYSTERY WRITERS." —Carolyn Hart A VIRGIN ISLAND LOSES ITS INNOCENCE There is no love lost between novelist/sometime sleuth E.J. Pugh and her three sisters: four high-strung Texas redheads who have made sibling rivalry an art form. In an attempt to ease their stretched-thin family ties, the ladies and their respective mates have rented a vacation home together on the Caribbean island of St. John. But reconciliation must take a back seat to crime detection when a waterlogged corpse is discovered clogging up the cistern of their stunning beachfront house. The body belongs to a former employee of the dentist husband of sister Liz, which leads the local police captain to surmise that the killer is a member of the clan—especially after an exploding pleasure boat and other untimely "accidents" rapidly raise the body count up from one. E.J., however, is not convinced. And, to the chagrin of her loving, long-suffering hubby, Willis, she's determined to salvage what's left of their vacation by exposing whomever is rapidly turning a family gathering into a wake in paradise. "E.J. is a Central Texas housewife and author who simply cannot keep her nose out of other people's business. If she's your friend, you couldn't ask for better. If she's on your case, you might just as well give up...The E.J. Pugh mysteries are among my favorites." —Austin American-Statesman
Publisher: Speaking Volumes
ISBN: 1645400778
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
ONE OF TODAY'S FINEST MYSTERY WRITERS." —Carolyn Hart A VIRGIN ISLAND LOSES ITS INNOCENCE There is no love lost between novelist/sometime sleuth E.J. Pugh and her three sisters: four high-strung Texas redheads who have made sibling rivalry an art form. In an attempt to ease their stretched-thin family ties, the ladies and their respective mates have rented a vacation home together on the Caribbean island of St. John. But reconciliation must take a back seat to crime detection when a waterlogged corpse is discovered clogging up the cistern of their stunning beachfront house. The body belongs to a former employee of the dentist husband of sister Liz, which leads the local police captain to surmise that the killer is a member of the clan—especially after an exploding pleasure boat and other untimely "accidents" rapidly raise the body count up from one. E.J., however, is not convinced. And, to the chagrin of her loving, long-suffering hubby, Willis, she's determined to salvage what's left of their vacation by exposing whomever is rapidly turning a family gathering into a wake in paradise. "E.J. is a Central Texas housewife and author who simply cannot keep her nose out of other people's business. If she's your friend, you couldn't ask for better. If she's on your case, you might just as well give up...The E.J. Pugh mysteries are among my favorites." —Austin American-Statesman
This Naked Mind
Author: Annie Grace
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525537236
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
A groundbreaking and inspiring book that challenges our relationship with alcohol by exploring the psychological factors behind alcohol use and the cultural influences that contribute to dependency. Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health. But, they resist change because they fear losing the pleasure and stress-relief associated with alcohol, and assume giving it up will involve deprivation and misery. This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Here, Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink and Annie’s own extraordinary and candid personal story, This Naked Mind will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery keeps people from getting the help they need. This Naked Mind will give you freedom from alcohol. It removes the psychological dependence so that you will not crave alcohol, allowing you to easily drink less (or stop drinking). With clarity, humor, and a unique blend of science and storytelling, This Naked Mind will open the door to the life you have been waiting for. “You have given me my live back.” —Katy F., Albuquerque, New Mexico “This is an inspiring and groundbreaking must-read. I am forever inspired and changed.” —Kate S., Los Angeles, California “The most selfless and amazing book that I have ever read.” —Bernie M., Dublin, Ireland
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525537236
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
A groundbreaking and inspiring book that challenges our relationship with alcohol by exploring the psychological factors behind alcohol use and the cultural influences that contribute to dependency. Many people question whether drinking has become too big a part of their lives, and worry that it may even be affecting their health. But, they resist change because they fear losing the pleasure and stress-relief associated with alcohol, and assume giving it up will involve deprivation and misery. This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution. Here, Annie Grace clearly presents the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science, and reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence in all of us. Packed with surprising insight into the reasons we drink and Annie’s own extraordinary and candid personal story, This Naked Mind will open your eyes to the startling role of alcohol in our culture, and how the stigma of alcoholism and recovery keeps people from getting the help they need. This Naked Mind will give you freedom from alcohol. It removes the psychological dependence so that you will not crave alcohol, allowing you to easily drink less (or stop drinking). With clarity, humor, and a unique blend of science and storytelling, This Naked Mind will open the door to the life you have been waiting for. “You have given me my live back.” —Katy F., Albuquerque, New Mexico “This is an inspiring and groundbreaking must-read. I am forever inspired and changed.” —Kate S., Los Angeles, California “The most selfless and amazing book that I have ever read.” —Bernie M., Dublin, Ireland
Some Still More Equal Than Others?
Author: Serdar M. Degirmencioglu
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 9789287167460
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Inequality limits young people's chances in life. Yet equality is the basis of democracy and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights secures the rights and freedoms of the young "without discrimination on any ground". Research shows that inequality - in opportunities, wealth or health, for example - is widespread in Europe and that the citizens of richer countries do not necessarily have healthier profiles than those of poorer countries. The citizens of egalitarian countries, on the other hand, have the highest life expectancy. This book examines many aspects of inequality and opportunity for young people including schooling, employment, social exclusion, labour migration, trafficking, disability, cultural and religious discrimination, youth work, and opposition and resistance.
Publisher: Council of Europe
ISBN: 9789287167460
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 174
Book Description
Inequality limits young people's chances in life. Yet equality is the basis of democracy and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights secures the rights and freedoms of the young "without discrimination on any ground". Research shows that inequality - in opportunities, wealth or health, for example - is widespread in Europe and that the citizens of richer countries do not necessarily have healthier profiles than those of poorer countries. The citizens of egalitarian countries, on the other hand, have the highest life expectancy. This book examines many aspects of inequality and opportunity for young people including schooling, employment, social exclusion, labour migration, trafficking, disability, cultural and religious discrimination, youth work, and opposition and resistance.
Sometimes I Lie
Author: Alice Feeney
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 1250144833
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
ALICE FEENEYS NEW YORK TIMES AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER “Boldly plotted, tightly knotted—a provocative true-or-false thriller that deepens and darkens to its ink-black finale. Marvelous.” —AJ Finn, author of The Woman in the Window My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me: 1. I’m in a coma. 2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore. 3. Sometimes I lie. Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth?
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 1250144833
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
ALICE FEENEYS NEW YORK TIMES AND INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER “Boldly plotted, tightly knotted—a provocative true-or-false thriller that deepens and darkens to its ink-black finale. Marvelous.” —AJ Finn, author of The Woman in the Window My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me: 1. I’m in a coma. 2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore. 3. Sometimes I lie. Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth?
In the Drink
Author: Kate Christensen
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385720211
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
In this compassionate, wise, and comical debut, Kate Christensen gives an engaging and authentic voice to a new generation of single urban women. Claudia Steiner never intended for her life to become such a disaster. At the age of twenty-nine she finds herself serving as secretary to an insane, aging socialite who barks orders from her toilet, specializes in devastating backhanded remarks, and expects Claudia to ghostwrite her best-selling novels. Her job pays enough to keep her in overpriced cocktails, cabs, and take-out but doesn't cover the rent on her roach-infested apartment or keep her creditors at bay. Her romantic prospects are no better. She's hopelessly in love with her best friend, a corporate lawyer who may or may not be gay, and she's still relentlessly pursued by her ex-lover, a married unpublished epic poet. All Claudia can rely on--aside from her wry sense of humor and her faith in the medicinal properties of whiskey--is a persistent little flame of belief in herself, which gives her the glimmer of a chance for a happy ending.
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0385720211
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 290
Book Description
In this compassionate, wise, and comical debut, Kate Christensen gives an engaging and authentic voice to a new generation of single urban women. Claudia Steiner never intended for her life to become such a disaster. At the age of twenty-nine she finds herself serving as secretary to an insane, aging socialite who barks orders from her toilet, specializes in devastating backhanded remarks, and expects Claudia to ghostwrite her best-selling novels. Her job pays enough to keep her in overpriced cocktails, cabs, and take-out but doesn't cover the rent on her roach-infested apartment or keep her creditors at bay. Her romantic prospects are no better. She's hopelessly in love with her best friend, a corporate lawyer who may or may not be gay, and she's still relentlessly pursued by her ex-lover, a married unpublished epic poet. All Claudia can rely on--aside from her wry sense of humor and her faith in the medicinal properties of whiskey--is a persistent little flame of belief in herself, which gives her the glimmer of a chance for a happy ending.