Books
Lisa See is a bestselling author writing about Chinese-American culture and traditions in her novels Peony in Love and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Debbi Honorof talks to Ms. See about her childhood in L.A.’s Chinatown, her writing process and the impact of book clubs on her success.
I was named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women. And this may not seem like a big deal, but each year, there is a Miss Chinatown pageant. When I was a kid, my uncle was a judge, and that was a huge honor. A few years ago, I was asked to be a judge, so I guess I’ve come a long way.
Book Corner
Standing up for yourself is not always easy, but women must guard against being victims of emotional abuse. Dr. Anne-Renee Testa writes about this in The Bully in Your Relationship: Stop Emotional Abuse and Get the Love You Deserve (McGraw Hill 2007; $22.95), and Debbi Honorof shares some of the book’s tips and techniques.
There are red flags you should watch out for, and one in particular is the way someone speaks to you. “When someone does not speak to you in a way that honors you,” warns Dr. Testa, “you have to nip it in the bud. Condescending statements like ‘Don’t you get it’ or ’You can be so stupid’ are denigrating, even if they are said in a playful way. There should be zero tolerance of hurtful words.”
FYI
What one Long Island woman did when she confronted ageism in her job search, how to get toned arms, ways to contribute to the fight against breast cancer and meeting this month’s Long Island Woman, Shelley Mann.
Health
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fredricka R. Maister tells us why it is so important not to skip your mammogram. Michelle Levine recommends Apron Strings, one local woman’s tale of how breast cancer affected her family.
When I shared my cancer diagnosis with friends and the role of mammography in its early detection, I discovered – to my utter disbelief – that the majority of these highly-educated, health-savvy women (some of whom worked in the medical field) had not been getting yearly breast screenings. They were “too busy” or “just forgot.”
What sets this memoir apart is the fact that Greene’s tale is not just about her diagnosis and survival … it’s an entire family’s story of struggle and loss
My Turn
The Desperate Housewives have become part of pop culture … what about the house husband? Raymond L. Atkins tells us the lessons he learned when he stopped being the breadwinner and became the homemaker.
I will be honest and admit that I always sort of thought that my wife had it made … you know, do a little housework, cook a meal or two, keep the kids alive … but now that we have undergone the great role reversal of 2007, I realize that I was wrong.
Happenings
Consult our extensive guide to what’s new and interesting this month on the Island.
Support Groups
An extensive listing of Long Island area support groups primarily geared toward women.
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