Glamour, Interrupted: a book review

I recently got the opportunity to choose from a wide assortment of books at Collins, and I jumped at the chance to read Glamour, Interrupted: How I Became the Best-Dressed Patient in Hollywood by Steven "Cojo" Cojocaru. I have been a fan of his for a while and have always loved watching him on Entertainment Tonight or during Red Carpet events. His particular style of wit while critiquing the rich and famous is chicken soup for my sarcastic soul. In short, I feel a certain camaraderie. ;)

Cojo's book is filled with humor and sarcasm, and as I read his book I realized that I'm not sure that I could even be that upbeat if I had gone through what he did. In his book he talks about the exact moments he suspected serious health problems, later becoming diagnosed with a life threatening kidney disease, and his ongoing struggle to stay afloat in a cold and not so sterile world of kidney transplants and dialysis.

Steven's book chronicles his struggles and triumphs, and eventually acceptance that life isn't perfect no matter how hard you work to make it appear that way. Through his illness, Steven learns what real unconditional love is in the form of friends, fans, and family and he puts a very human face to kidney disease in spite of his fame and celebrity.

I applaud him for writing his story, and despite suffering so much, being able to do it in a way that is so honest and open... and so very, very funny.

I really enjoyed reading Steven Cojocaru's book and I would recommend it to anyone, especially fans and anyone who has hit rock bottom and thought that there was no way up; his book clearly proves that you can overcome with the love and support of the ones around you.

Glamour, Interrupted is scheduled for release January 22nd, 2008. You can click the links for more info.


*** All the book reviews done for HarperCollins or Collins Publishing (an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishing) are done with one stipulation- I receive the book for free and read it. If I like it, I review it on my blog. These are not paid reviews per se, except for receiving the book.***

Poor Iggy

I know there are more pressing issues going on in the world today but when I saw this story on Yahoo's home page I was deeply saddened. It's not often that you see Ellen Degeneres tear up, let alone cry, but when she does you know she means it.

Basically the story is that despite giving this sweet puppy lots of love and even paying to have this pup trained and acclimated to her current pets- to the tune of 3000.00- Ellen found that Iggy was just too energetic for her household. While discussing this with her hairdresser, whom she sees every single day and knows very well, the hairdresser spoke up immediately saying she would take the dog because her family loved him.

Shortly after the shelter that Ellen adopted Iggy from called and asked how he was doing. Ellen did what the honorable thing and told the truth. The shelter in question sent someone out to take the dog back immediately. To see the clip from her live show, you can watch it here.

Since I went through a similar situation about a year ago, I KNOW how heart wrenching it is to have to give away a pet who just doesn't fit in with the family, no matter how hard you try. Though I realize that she signed a paper stating that she would give the dog back if any problems should arise, I would think that this shelter would see all the good that Ellen does on her show and know that she would absolutely make sure that Iggy went to a family that was capable of loving and taking care of him.

The fact is that Ellen gave her dog to someone whom she trusts. It may sound silly to some, but a lot of us gals have very close relationships with the people we trust our do's to. I wold think that this shelter could understand that since Ellen sees her hairdresser every single day that she knows her very well, and trusts her enough to take a pet that Ellen loved but could no longer keep.

I just think that in a world where you hear about celebrities and all of their problems and horribly obvious shortcomings, that someone like Ellen Degeneres- who has raised millions for so many charities over the years, and help thousands of people- could be cut a little slack.

But no. Instead poor Iggy is back where he started probably in an overcrowded and stinking shelter, in a cage, and not getting near the love and attention he deserves. Not one but two families are distraught over a new family member being taken away. I think had they REALLY cared about how Iggy was doing? they would have shown up in person to see for themselves instead of just calling Ellen on the phone. They took Iggy back over a mere technicality, not because they really care about him.

If you think this is outrageous, go to the link below and leave a comment for Ellen and feel free to use the graphic above. If you hear of any petitions going on, I would love to hear about it so I can sign, too. The photo in the graphic I made is courtesy of The Ellen Degeneres Show website.

Pleas note that I have commented further on this topic... well, in comments! Thanks for all of your opinions, I am glad we are able to debate without flaming and trolling. :)