The 10 Women You'll Be Before You're 35

January 31, 2005
Young female readers with spare time on their hands may enjoy figuring out which of the 10 frivolous personality categories outlined in this book they fall into. There's The Dollarless Diva, whose look is "consistent and unsophisticated, a bit worn," or The Worker Bee, whose life goal is "to accomplish every task, on time, perfectly." The Party Girl, The Body-Conscious Babe and Crisis Chick also receive their due, but in the end, all women wind up at The True You stage by their mid-30s, at least according to this book. James, author of I Used to Miss Him...But My Aim is Improving, excels in her humorous descriptions of these girly character types, but the book's simple language and familiar advice (i.e., the Worker Bee should "Be Bold and Ask for the Gold" and learn to say "no" once in a while) limits its usefulness and appeal. Nevertheless, some readers may be entertained by James's flippant humor and amused to find echoes of their own personalities in these descriptions.

May 15, 2005
In her latest handbook (after "I Used To Miss Him -&But My Aim Is Improving"), television executive James guides young women through some early adulthood trials and tribulations: dating, working a first job, paying off debt, staying healthy, and becoming independent. In a friendly, funny, big sisterly way, she acknowledges the fabulous phase of being a party girl but offers cautionary notes about sizing up strangers and when and how to leave the bar safely. Also included are numerous short quotes from women on their successes and failures and what they would do again if they had the chance. This tart and enjoyable book will probably be a hit with older young adults as well as college-age and twentysomething women. For all public libraries.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.