September 2009 Good Housekeeping selection.

This was never intended to be a feel-good book but in a perverse way it proves itself a great mood-shifter and lifter. Darkly humorous Ariel Leve lays out her daily insecurities like a patchwork quilt of modern anxiety and inadequacy, sparkling with tiny appliquéd gems of self-deprecating cynicism. Her hand-wringing at social trends: breast-sharing for new mothers/therapy ‘n’ jogging sessions; fessing up to her afternoon naps and Blackberry deficiency… Every admission of falling short makes us all feel a bit better.

Synopsis

Hypochondriac, neurotic, habitual sweater-of-the-small-stuff, Cassandra is one of life's losers. She counts it a good day if she manages to get out of bed. If someone should ask: what's the worst that can happen? she has a ready-made list and lives in permanent fear of what's to come. But at least, as a pessimist, she's fully prepared for any eventuality: people who see the glass half full are only a spill away from disappointment. Whether you've been dumped by the love of your life, lost your job, said the wrong thing at a party, or forgotten to have children, Cassandra is there to remind you that it could be worse - you could be her.

About the Author

Ariel Leve was born in New York City in 1968 and has been a journalist and columnist with The Sunday Times Magazine since 2003, specializing in investigative features, in-depth interviews and a humorous weekly column, Cassandra. She has twice been nominated for the British Press Awards and in 2008 won Feature Writer Of The Year from the Magazine Design and Journalism Awards. She has written for The Guardian, Vogue, and others. For as long as she can remember, she’s been worrying. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation