Up for Renewal: What Magazines Taught Me about Love, Sex, and Starting Over

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. The real-life, positive, transformation of a human being unfolding before you is a voyeuristic pleasure that serves as both catharsis (for the pain of mundanity) and inspiration that somewhere, somehow, something just works. Too much is broken in our modern society, but there is always a pleasant distraction available for us to blissfully ignore the fact for a while. To me, this book cut through all of that and made me face my own life as I faced Cathy's. I was able to use her experiences as a catalyst for introspection, but in a non-shameful way. After all I was looking at her flaws directly; mine were merely hinted at by my nagging subconscious voice of self-criticism, ghostly reflections in a distant mirror. I reveled in watching her take the giant leap of faith in placing one full year of her life in the hands of self-help advice dispensaries. I wanted to reach out and encourage her at points, while cruelly laughing at her life at others. Fortunately for her my laughter was muffled by time and distance. I liked her at first; then I didn't like her. Over time I not only liked her and understood (in a small way) her dilemma and personal struggle with finding some sanity and happiness in a pretty crazy world. And what is life without a little craziness anyway? Qualitatively speaking: the narration is easy to follow and highly addictive. Fun. Spritely. Easy to get lost in. This is a one-year saga of a woman's resurrection from a broken life. It was hard to put this down, knowing that "next month" a whole new set of challenges faced her, as the new batch of women's magazines would come, requiring a concerted effort to change an entire aspect of her life. As a professional counselor for thousands of clients I know that getting people to the point of seriously committing to change one aspect of their lives is a challenge. It was like this woman had a death-wish, racing headlong into some new existence that she could never return from, but never leaving home. Whatever happened at the end of the book, I had the suspicion that she would have to face the consequences and the criticism of her boss, friends, and her mother (whom I love). This is a keeper. You can't have my copy--ever. It is a "common-person's perspective" on life and needed change, and the power of using what is around you to help you along, even when you feel you are powerless or alone in your quest. While it is easy to trivialize the gossipy fun of advice magazines, because their covers clamor so vibrantly, they really do serve a purpose beyond simple entertainment. Like everything else in life, we have to find our own balance: how much do we rely on the advice of those around us. From this tale I take that we can all use a bit more gossipy goodness from advice magazines. It's delicious! ("We eat what we like!" Remember that ad campaign?) Thanks for reading.

This book is like reading a book about Carrie in Sex in the City. Just replace the name Cathy for Carrie. Carrie is a 39 (turns 40 during the book), single writer with a totally screwed up life. She is not happy with herself at all. After reading the first chapter, I didn't like Cathy very much. After that I realized that Cathy would be someone I grew to understand and adore. She used magazines to change her life one area at a time for one year. She tackles exercise, men, cooking, healthy eating, and sex to name the most prominent months. Thankfully, Cathy doesn't follow the magazine advice if it seems a little far fetched. She does retain her common sense. The magazines are just a small part of this story. The real story is with Cathy's transformation. This book isn't annoyingly short. It's just the right length, but I did get through it less than a week of reading in my spare time.

Really, I do. She's my cousin. But that's not why I love Up For Renewal. Cathy let loose with this one year memoir. It's detailed, intimate and funny. Clearly some people think it's too detailed and intimate (sleazy?!) If a frank discussion of sex is sleazy then I live in the sewer. Cathy has guts, the guts to write about office sex (most of us have either done it or fantasized about it,) the guts to publish personal conversations with her mother, the guts to reflect on her behavior and change it. Changing your life while living it (as opposed to going to Italy, India and Bali on vacation) is something any of us can do. While Cathy gives us a prescription/subscription for doing so the magazines are not central to her tale. They do provide for amusing anecdotes though, especially when she tries out Cosmo sex moves. Don't think it's all about sex. It's really about how your behavior affects your relationships with others, dating, friends, family. I've known Cathy for a long time, but I know her much better through this book. Great writing is personal. You will want to get to know Cathy Alter.

Up For Renewal is a wonderful, hilarious book that asks the question is it possible to change your life in just one year? Using the improbable guide of women's magazines, Cathy Alter transforms her relationship, her job, her body, even the color of her living room. I was on the edge of my seat, laughing. I could not put this book down. I even read it in just one day. I hardly noticed my kids screaming and the milk on the floor. It was a great escape. I will soon start changing my life one day at a time. Thanks for the inspiration.

(I am adding this, because I forgot to the first time, this is a hardcover book, very nicely done and pretty!) This is my review from the Vine Voice reviewer program. When I first scanned down the list of books...I was like "where is the chick lit, where is the chick lit!"and VIOLA! HERE is is..except it is much deeper than your average chick lit..Perhaps it was just a little deepeR for ME, I have alot in common with Cathy, Im Divorced,we are close to the same age,AND I DEFTELY HAVE A PERFECIONIST, OVERBEARING MOTHER! Im 34 and shes 37, she inserts so much of herself into this book, that it almost feels like a BIOGRAPHY! All she wants to do is improve her life, and instead of turning to the magazines she loves so dearly, she needs a support system and a therapist! This lady is addicted to magazines, and their covers...she wants instant gratification, she wants great sex, a great booty, a boyfriend and so much more. She already has what most women REALLY want, shs is smart, successful, and has a great job. This is really a funny and good book. I admire the character in this book and if you are looking for a light,easy read, this is a perfect book. I can sooo relate to buying those magazines that promise you all these results and how to be a better lover,etc and it NEVER happens. There were several reviews already written, the very same day they ordered the book...so Im not sure if the book was actually READ or not, but this is an honest version of my point of view on Up For Renewal!