"Yes, You Can Change and Have Fun Doing It!"

"Last December when Larry Fontaine told our department that the company was offering elective buyouts for engineers, my hand shot up involuntarily, epileptically." So begins Mona Warren's odyssey to discover who she is, what she wants to do with her life, and how she will actually achieve it. After being born and raised on a commune, tragically losing her family in an accident, and moving into the world of her wealthy grandmother, Mona decides to begin a personal odyssey that will certainly entice and puzzle every reader.

Indeed, Mona decides that she is going to obtain the love of her life, Adam Ziegler, that is, the Adam she dreams of marrying but of whom at present she has very little personal knowledge. Her best friend, Greta, is convinced she has gone off the deep end and tells Mona that she must discover her inner identity before she can know what kind of man to marry. But Mona is not your ordinary gal and decides she will make herself into a man's most desirable mate.

After reading the "What I Wish Chicks Knew" column by Mike "the Dog" Dougherty, Mona decides to hire him to teach her what exactly would be most enticing to a man, to literally train her into the identity of a man's dream date and relationship. Intimidated at first by Mike's suggestions, Mona grits her teeth and begins her journey into a new identity.

Without spoiling the plot, this reviewer found Mona's account hilarious and poignant! Doing what few females dare to do, Mona begins the transformation by learning belly dancing and boxing and then proceeds to completely redo her hair, makeup and clothing. The process isn't always easy; but little by little, Mona finds a place where she pursues her dream man and in a sense does a little bit of retraining herself on her coach, Mike, and her style guide, Mike's sister. You will roar with laughter as you visualize and hear Mona's steps to becoming a "new woman." And you will love the ending which you cannot possibly imagine before you, and Mona, get there!

This reviewer cannot offer enough adequate praise for this author's presentation of a young, talented, vivacious and enchanting woman who not only dares to dream but enjoys the rolicking possibilities and steps to reinventing a meaningful life!

The complex plot, outrageous humor, potent advice within the tale, and lovable characters all combine to provide a delightful read for all ages.

Delightful, Jennifer Coburn!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted June 2, 2005