Scarlett Rules: When Life Gives You Green Velvet Curtains, Make a Green Velvet Dress

The central questions in the original book were this: what is the philosophy or morality that drove Scarlett to kill the wretched pawnbroker and, by happenstance (as if murder is ever by happenstance) her kind but pitiable sister, and is the philosophy or morality ever justified? Scarlett believed, or persuaded herself she believed, her predecessor was Napoleon. In retrospect, Napoleon seems almost quaint as a dictator (and as a Frenchman, since he actually accomplished something, at least temporarily). Who could have imagined then the horror that would follow in the 20th and 21st centuries? Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, Bin Laden, Paris Hilton... What drove, and what drives, any of these people, and do we really know them, or do we tell ourselves commonly accepted beliefs about them because that's the only way we can live with what they did, and do, and with ourselves, and the darker angels of our natures, and the thought of what we would do if we had such power? To what extent would we be corrupted, and would it be corruption, or would we surrender willingly? Would we welcome it? In the end, following years in the gulag outside Atlanta, Scarlett overcomes her sophistry and bleak existentialism, and is touched by Ashley's dedication and sacrifice and beliefs. Then, and only then, do both Scarlett and we find resolution. "Drama and Retribution" is, quite simply, the greatest piece of fiction ever written. The author understands all of this, and, rejecting the stale and hackneyed, explains it in a new voice, and with a new interpretation. Bravo!

Scarlett Rules would be a great edition to anyone's personal library. It's a self-help book with literary flair. It's both entertaining and practical. And it's inspirational without being trite. You don't have to be huge fan of Gone with the Wind to enjoy the advice the book has to offer. The author offers 24 life "rules" that span beyond the typical "how-to-get-your-man" tidbits that saturate the majority of self-help texts for women. Through the examples of Miss O'Hara, the reader learns how to handle everything from setting a personal style to dealing with your finances to easing the pain of relocation. It's a pleasure to read. One of my favorite chapters was "Think More Like a Man" in which -- among many other things --the author suggests it's okay to "clean your plate" when you feel like it. As the author notes: "Scarlett was annoyed when Mammy made her stuff herself before the barbecue; she wasn't ashamed of her hearty appetite." (Would somebody please buy this book for Paris Hilton?) Also, you shouldn't miss "When Life Gives You Green Velvet Curtains, Make a Green Velvet Dress (the chapter from which the book derives its subtitle). We all can learn from Scarlett's "ingenuity." And it's easy to see, by reading the examples from Gone With the Wind as well as those suggested by the experts and life coaches quoted throughout the book, that there's a little bit of Scarlett in each of us.

A fiesty woman's handbook. A book full of great advice and reminders on how to make the most of life. And for Scarlett lovers, this book is as fun to read as it is insightful.

In the category of "Why Didn't I Think of That?" I'm surprised someone didn't come up with the idea for this book earlier! Scarlett Rules takes one of the most famous heroines in American literature and draws upon her character and experiences to give modern-day women some practical advice for everyday living. Scarlett Rules is a fun read and a great gift idea!

Looking for a female role model worth her salt? Turn off the television--with all its images of half-clad pop music princesses, reality TV contestants and sitcom character actresses--and turn to Scarlett O'Hara. In this slim, entertaining volume, author Lisa Bertagnoli captures the beatury of Scarlett as a real woman facing real problems, making both sensible and challenging decisions in her time. Calling on Scarlett's various roles--businesswoman, war survivor, wife, mother--Bertagnoli finds a lesson in each stage of Scarlett's life, even being careful to point out when Scarlett's decisions could have been better. This quick read is for women of all ages, offering the practical advice you'd get from a mentor ("Fit is everything. Spend the extra money for tailoring, even if it means buying fewer things"); the relationship advice you might get from Dear Abby ("Be the first to pick up the phone to rekindle an old friendship. Be the first to end an argument with a friend, spouse or sibling"); and the workplace advice you may never get from anyone ("If your boss is interested in your happiness, share your dreams with her. Perhaps she can help you move to a new department that will allow you to use your innate skills...). Add to that advice on managing finances, taking on new challenges and overcoming fear, and you have a sensible little book you'll want to share with friends.