Book Review: Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out into the Real World

Amazon.com Review: Maria Shriver's warmth, humor, and wisdom are evident on every page of this little book. Inspired by her commencement speech at the College of the Holy Cross, the book contains stories and insights that will be helpful, entertaining, and encouraging to graduates at every stage of life. The lessons themselves--"be willing to fail," "stand your ethical ground," "marriage is a hell of a lot of hard work"--are nothing new. What makes them interesting are the life stories that accompany them and Shriver's personable, friendly style. Reading this book feels like having a cup of coffee with a wise and funny friend. Tales of her first television experiences are surprising and hilarious, and she takes balancing motherhood and career to new levels--imagine postponing an interview with Fidel Castro to get your daughter to her first day of kindergarten! Each chapter is easy to read and ends with a focused lesson--kind of a bullet point from her original speech--that encourages readers to be ultimately true to themselves and their dreams, while cutting through harmful illusions. The last chapter, on laughter, is one to read again and again. Shriver maintains that without laughter not much else matters, and in life's toughest times it's laughter that gets us through. For anyone starting a new adventure--graduation, marriage, parenthood, career shift, or a milestone birthday--Ten Things I Wish I'd Known brings wisdom, laughter, practical suggestions, and a down-to-earth manner together into one fabulous gift. --Jill Lightner nnProduct Information: Whether meeting the demands of broadcast journalism or balancing the needs of her family, Maria Shriver has conducted her life with wit and impeccable style. Now, she shares with readers her personal Top Ten list of things she wished someone had told her before she embarked on her career and life. This book is expanded from her highly praised Holy Cross College commencement address where she talked about the importance of following one's passion...the strength that comes from failure...and the compromises that are inevitable in marriage and parenthood. Shriver's frank honesty, self-deprecating sense of humor, and wry reminiscences will inspire men and women of all ages. Gutsy, fresh, and memorable, "Ten Things" is sure to help guide all readers in their own quest for fulfillment. To view this book on Amazon.com, click here.