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 · 101 ratings  · 26 reviews

Start your review of Secrets of a Jewish Female parent: Real Advice, Real Stories, Real Love

Jun 22, 2010 Kristin White rated it did not similar it

Why did I waste product money on this terrible volume!?! I thought it would exist a lighthearted, funny book with stories from their childhood. . Oh, no. . it was written as an Advice/self-help book with self-serving stories of iii rich bitches. First, why does Jill think she should be giving advice on friendship, marriage, carreer? Has anyone seen the Housewives? What a joke! My favorite part was the "cocky-assessments" at the end of the capacity- -- hilarious! Seriously? As if I would have life advice fro Why did I waste money on this terrible book!?! I thought information technology would be a lighthearted, funny book with stories from their childhood. . Oh, no. . it was written as an Advice/cocky-assist book with self-serving stories of iii rich bitches. First, why does Jill think she should be giving advice on friendship, wedlock, carreer? Has anyone seen the Housewives? What a joke! My favorite part was the "self-assessments" at the end of the chapters- -- hilarious! Seriously? Equally if I would take life communication from a Real housewife!
The real kicker for me was Jills suggestions on diet. . . TAKEN RIGHT OUT OF BETHANY FRANKEL'South Book! What a joke! ...more

October 04, 2015 Carol rated information technology did non like it

Shockingly bad. I wish I had read readers' comments before spending my $three.99. The writing was literate, these aren't ignorant women, but the format of, which includes giving you questions to inquire yourself (or discus in your book club, was pretentious and disjointed. In each small department at that place is an essay about the topic, then Jill, Lisa, and/or their mother Gloria share their ain experiences. All 3 have appeared on television and come up beyond at some bespeak as warm and 18-carat people. This boo Shockingly bad. I wish I had read readers' comments before spending my $iii.99. The writing was literate, these aren't ignorant women, only the format of, which includes giving you questions to ask yourself (or discus in your volume club, was pretentious and disjointed. In each small section there is an essay nearly the topic, then Jill, Lisa, and/or their mother Gloria share their own experiences. All three take appeared on television and come across at some point as warm and genuine people. This book, though, shows Jill and Gloria every bit money-oriented individual, marrying because their future spouses would be proficient providers, and Jill's example, a great provider. There are too many instances where they tell a tale in which they were Cleary in the incorrect, just don't go it. Lisa is the sole exception to this. Where was their editor? Their therapists? At that place are 3 recipes in the book, Lisa'southward is made from scratch. Of the other two, i uses a matzo ball mix, which is bizarre since it takes an extra four minutes for bootleg, the other onion soup mix. I truly hope that readers who aren't Jewish don't view these women as real examples of Jewish women. Information technology's a shondeh for the neighbors. ...more than

Have to see what these yentas are talking near! Now that I did , I tin can't believe I wasted my time on this nonsense. Skip it!! Have to come across what these yentas are talking nearly! Now that I did , I can't believe I wasted my fourth dimension on this nonsense. Skip it!! ...more

Jun 20, 2010 Kim Sheppard rated it did not similar information technology

Kristin was right. This book was a waste of my fourth dimension. It did non have whatever good information in it and was basically stories of how wonderful the three of them are. DON'T waste matter your time Kristin was right. This volume was a waste of my time. Information technology did non have any skilful information in it and was basically stories of how wonderful the three of them are. DON'T waste your fourth dimension ...more

If y'all're a fan of Television set's The Real Housewives of New York City SECRETS OF A JEWISH Mother is a must read for you lot. Authored by Jill Zarin, her sis Lisa Wexler, and their female parent, Gloria Kamen, it is a compendium of communication on subjects ranging from friendship to dating to beauty and wellness to education to career to wedlock to parenting (with the wedding ever preceding parenthood) to family issues to coin, and a great deal in between.

Whatever the subject nether discussion each of the authors offe

If you lot're a fan of Telly's The Real Housewives of New York Urban center SECRETS OF A JEWISH Female parent is a must read for you. Authored by Jill Zarin, her sister Lisa Wexler, and their mother, Gloria Kamen, information technology is a compendium of advice on subjects ranging from friendship to dating to beauty and health to instruction to career to union to parenting (with the wedding always preceding parenthood) to family unit bug to coin, and a bang-up deal in betwixt.

Any the subject under discussion each of the authors offers a relevant personal feel. The chapter on Marriage begins with "If anyone who has been married a long time tells you her marriage is and always has been perfect, she is lying," and is followed past notes from this communication giving trio. Jill shares her showtime marriage and subsequent divorce with a positive outlook - she would not have had her girl Allyson without it. She besides stresses the importance of great sex activity but too friendship, love, and trust. Both Lisa and Jill advise against becoming involved with "the man who makes a lot of coin while still young plenty to actually enjoy it. Information technology usually goes to his head, and by that nosotros mean the wrong one." On the other hand, Gloria offers rules to keep a man afterward you are married - keep up your appearance, make time to go away alone together, share your husband's interests, enjoy the visitor of happy couples rather than those who tend to debate.

Now, in all probability little of the advice offered in SECRETS OF A JEWISH Female parent is new; much of it may be what your mother or grandmother told you. And some of information technology, for this reader was pointless and over the top. Nevertheless, the pleasure of the book is in hearing it related with honesty and humor past three engaging authors who are willing to share their successes and failures.

Also included are color photos and a Yiddish Glossary. Many of the states are familiar with schmuck and kvetch, only there are more to come. We just wish a pronunciation guide had been offered.

Hob anoe (accept enjoyment), which you'll find in reading SECRETS OF A JEWISH MOTHER.
- Gail Cooke

...more

April 11, 2010 Sue Seligman rated it it was amazing

I just had to get this book because of the title; never saw The Housewives of NYC although I was fond to Season ane of The Housewives of NJ (since I currently live in NJ). Just when I picked the book upward at my local bookstore and saw that the authors grew up in the Five Towns of Long Island, well not only did I buy it simply I started reading as before long as I got home. Although I am a few years older than Jill's sister Lisa, and they went to Lawrence High School and I went to Hewlett, the basic premise I just had to become this book because of the title; never saw The Housewives of NYC although I was addicted to Season 1 of The Housewives of NJ (since I currently live in NJ). But when I picked the book up at my local bookstore and saw that the authors grew upward in the 5 Towns of Long Island, well not but did I buy it merely I started reading every bit shortly every bit I got home. Although I am a few years older than Jill'southward sister Lisa, and they went to Lawrence High School and I went to Hewlett, the basic premise of the book is so familiar to me! I am having fun reading and relating to it and whether or not I hold with the advice or take lived my life according to it, I definitely understand the background. I love this volume; information technology is fun and real! ...more

Aug 06, 2014 Lisa rated information technology did non like it

I'grand behind on my Reading Challenge, my library carte du jour expires in iii days, and I've been having migraines lately. What a summer! Perchance I'll read some light and easy nonfiction to pick myself back up...

*

Honestly, I judged the book on its cover spine blueprint, and I won't hide from the fact that the word "Jewish" caught me. I read Portnoy's Complaint (which was actually mentioned in the Prologue!) before this year and I've been working on some Hebrew lately. You lot could say that I'k on a (most probable

I'grand backside on my Reading Challenge, my library card expires in three days, and I've been having migraines lately. What a summertime! Maybe I'll read some light and easy nonfiction to pick myself back up...

*

Honestly, I judged the volume on its encompass spine design, and I won't hibernate from the fact that the discussion "Jewish" defenseless me. I read Portnoy'due south Complaint (which was actually mentioned in the Prologue!) earlier this year and I've been working on some Hebrew lately. Yous could say that I'm on a (most likely temporary) Jewish kick; and who knows, perhaps at that place were some cultural connections in this book that could help me cushion my education.

Secrets of a Jewish Mother didn't help with anything, really.
Except a bigger headache.

ONE STAR FOR Yous!

...more than

If I could requite NO stars, that'southward what this book would get. Too the fact that it'south poorly written, the stories were apartment and did not illustrate the life lessons the authors were attempting to present. If I could give NO stars, that'southward what this book would get. Besides the fact that it'southward poorly written, the stories were flat and did not illustrate the life lessons the authors were attempting to nowadays. ...more

Apr fifteen, 2010 Pamela rated it really liked it

Love the stories and fun piece of cake read of this book. A great alternate book for when y'all need to lighten up. Made me laugh out loud a few times, even on the train!

I liked Jill Zarin when she was on Real Housewives of New York. At to the lowest degree I liked her, as much as y'all can when you're Team Bethany. So when I saw this book I was excited to option information technology upwardly. (I may have likewise been excited nearly the fact it was 90% off at a Borders closing sale, just that isn't really the point hither.)

I did want to like this book, just overall I wasn't a huge fan. I thought that the championship was clever. But reading over and over "This is what a Jewish mother does... This is how a Jewish mother

I liked Jill Zarin when she was on Real Housewives of New York. At least I liked her, as much as you tin when you're Team Bethany. So when I saw this book I was excited to choice it up. (I may have also been excited nigh the fact it was 90% off at a Borders closing auction, but that isn't really the point here.)

I did want to like this book, merely overall I wasn't a huge fan. I idea that the championship was clever. But reading over and over "This is what a Jewish mother does... This is how a Jewish mother does it... Every Jewish mother does this..." simply got actually repetitive, and in some ways fabricated me resent the phrase Jewish mother. I'm Jewish and I felt this way, so I can only imagine what'south information technology's like for someone whose not Jewish who reads this book.

I did enjoy the personal stories inside and the unlike viewpoints, since it was written past Jill, her mother and sister. In a lot of ways think this would have been better as a memoir with more family recipes included. (Although the recipes included don't seem very appetizing.) Unfortunately it was much more of a self-help book, and within each chapter there are lists of questions to go you thinking about the topic their discussing. I do get what they're trying to achieve with these lists, merely in some ways it just felt too preachy.

This is the first book I've read past any real housewife bandage fellow member, and in some ways it makes me desire to stay abroad from the others. Although maybe next time I'd be amend off choosing more of a memoir. (I'd probably desire to beginning with Kyle of Beverly Hills, simply the meliorate choice would probably exist Carol of New York who would an author first, housewife second.) I think that unless you're absolutely in love with Jill and yous're Jewish, this might be ane you'd want to stay away from.

...more

Nov 27, 2020 Zibby Owens rated it it was amazing

When the writer's mother was on "Housewives," she gave a spiel about how life was really between Rosh Hashanah and Passover and how the years went by so quickly. That kicked off this advice book that brings in real-life stories from this mother/girl trio and shares witty tips on dating, marriage, friends, money, and more than. They as well did a peachy job talking about women'southward friendships. I loved how they chosen them "balcony friends" versus "front end-row friends."

I accept a bunch of quotes I thought we

When the author's mother was on "Housewives," she gave a spiel almost how life was really between Rosh Hashanah and Passover and how the years went past and so chop-chop. That kicked off this communication volume that brings in existent-life stories from this mother/daughter trio and shares witty tips on dating, marriage, friends, money, and more than. They also did a keen task talking about women's friendships. I loved how they called them "balcony friends" versus "front-row friends."

I have a bunch of quotes I thought were astonishing. Ane time when they were talking about worrying, the writer writes, "The Jewish mother lives to clarify and worry, the two being inexplicably intertwined. The Jewish mother is actually quite happy worrying. It'south the default setting in her computer." Another matter that I loved is when they talked about dating and said, "Yous need to bike through at least four seasons with the aforementioned guy to feel like you're really compatible." Another favorite was when they gave a manner tip, "Always bring a sweater. The Jewish mother is never without a sweater." But this book isn't just about Jewish-isms, it'due south got great advice for everyone.

To listen to my interview with the authors, become to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/jil...

...more

Jul 26, 2010 Elana rated it liked it

Since lots of people desire to know about this book, I'll put all my comments hither.

This book is written like a self-help style. Information technology is broken downwards by sections- friendship, dating, marriage, children, family, and money. It's definitely a book to skim- yous would probably not sit down down and read this whole book word-for-word. I also skipped some chapters (marriage and of grade, kids)...and in each "wisdom" they provide, there are sections for "Jill'southward story" and "gloria's take"... and I patently merely r

Since lots of people want to know about this volume, I'll put all my comments here.

This book is written like a self-assistance style. It is broken down by sections- friendship, dating, wedlock, children, family, and money. It'due south definitely a book to skim- you lot would probably not sit downwards and read this whole book word-for-word. I as well skipped some chapters (marriage and of course, kids)...and in each "wisdom" they provide, there are sections for "Jill'south story" and "gloria's take"... and I plain simply read Jill's stuff- because her mother and sister are wearisome (lol). There is no juice on the housewives.

The friendship department is the almost interesting part and I'd recommend to read that section. There are parts throughout the book that is a reminder of etiquette everyone should follow (e.one thousand. when going to someones firm, yous should always bring a gift, even if information technology's something really pocket-size like a candle from the dollar store; or if someone's in the infirmary, always phone call to check on them, etc).
In the friendship chapter, Jill wrote a paragraph on each of the housewives and her friendship with them, but it does not provide annihilation that viewers of RHONY wouldn't know.

And then that'south my take.

...more

Jun 26, 2010 Amy rated information technology it was ok

Let's outset with the good: I liked the format of how information technology was written which was Gloria's point of view (mother), then Jill and Lisa (the daughters) following. Advice and stories related to Friendship, Dating, Health and Beauty, Didactics, Career, and Money, to name a few, are spotlighted. There's even photos from each person in large event times of their lives; that'southward always a overnice way to break up the reading.

What I didn't similar (AKA this made information technology seem more of a cocky-help book at that point): At the

Let's kickoff with the good: I liked the format of how information technology was written which was Gloria's point of view (mother), then Jill and Lisa (the daughters) following. Advice and stories related to Friendship, Dating, Health and Beauty, Education, Career, and Money, to proper name a few, are spotlighted. There'southward even photos from each person in big consequence times of their lives; that's always a dainty way to intermission upwardly the reading.

What I didn't like (AKA this made it seem more than of a self-help book at that signal): At the end of chapter, there were "Ask Yourself" questions related to the affiliate. Ummm, no thanks, at to the lowest degree not for me.

Something I noticed. When I read the "Health and Beauty" chapter, Jill uses the term "nutrient dissonance" and also refers to sharing her meals, etc. This wouldn't have even struck me had I not read Bethenny Frankel's Naturally Thin book, who talks about this as her approach to eating that she emparts to the reader. I guess I tin can conclude that Jill unleashes her skinnygirl.

...more

When I started Reading this I idea it was good only and so I got to exist ok. There were some practiced points in it and some where I didn't think were necessary for the book. But overall I thought it was good not good where I would read information technology again. Peradventure if I wanted to look dorsum I would skim though and Look for some of the good points but I wouldn't read the whole book again. I think Jill Zarin and her sister and her mom did a good job at telling their stories.
When I started Reading this I thought it was good simply then I got to be ok. At that place were some good points in it and some where I didn't call up were necessary for the volume. But overall I thought it was good not good where I would read it again. Maybe if I wanted to expect back I would skim though and Expect for some of the skilful points just I wouldn't read the whole book again. I call back Jill Zarin and her sister and her mom did a expert job at telling their stories.
...more

Jun fifteen, 2010 Laura rated it it was ok

I'd only recommend this if you're a fan of the RHONY. Jill is very outspoken and confident. This is mainly a walk down retentivity lane, and a reminder to accept expert manners and use mutual sense. The volume isn't bad, though it's cypher revoluntionary. If y'all didn't know or intendance who the writers were, I'd call up y'all'd be less interested, though. I'd only recommend this if you're a fan of the RHONY. Jill is very outspoken and confident. This is mainly a walk down memory lane, and a reminder to have good manners and use common sense. The book isn't bad, though it's nothing revoluntionary. If you lot didn't know or care who the writers were, I'd think you'd exist less interested, though. ...more

Very nicely written. Enjoyed the personal stories and insights. And yes, Jewish and Italian mothers are very similar. I saw a lot of my family unit in the pages of the book. The only thing I wished the writer had washed was to add together the pronunication notes in the Yiddish glossary section.

Mar 10, 2010 Lisa Wexler rated it information technology was amazing

Of course I did! Would you expect any less? If y'all get a chance, please allow me know what you think at lisa@lisawexler.com. Beloved, Lisa

Borrowed this from the library. Normally interesting to hear other people'southward opinions almost universal bug such as friendship, beauty and wellness. But nothing globe shattering, simply a light read. Borrowed this from the library. Commonly interesting to hear other people's opinions well-nigh universal bug such equally friendship, beauty and health. Only nothing earth shattering, only a low-cal read. ...more than

Mar 27, 2011 Linda rated it information technology was amazing

Loved this one. Can be read in fits and starts. Lots of wisdom, sense of humour and Jewish schtick!

After hearing Jill Zarin and Lisa Wexler speak at a fundraising event and finding them entertaining, I decided to read this book. It'southward lite and good beach reading. After hearing Jill Zarin and Lisa Wexler speak at a fundraising consequence and finding them entertaining, I decided to read this volume. It'due south light and good beach reading. ...more

Did not finish. I loved Jill and her female parent on RHONY only this book was not interesting enough to go along my attention.

Aug 27, 2011 Sara rated it liked it

A quick read. At times entertaining but non the best book ever. Fun!

May 08, 2010 Robin rated it liked it

Interesting parts with a few snoozer bits. Did I learn any real wisdom? No...but I didn't really await to. Interesting parts with a few snoozer bits. Did I learn whatever real wisdom? No...simply I didn't really wait to. ...more

May 19, 2013 Mondis rated it did not like it

I got this as a gag joke souvenir. and that's what it was. a joke! I got this as a gag joke gift. and that's what information technology was. a joke! ...more

May 11, 2013 Kelly rated it it was ok

I couldn't get into the book and it was difficult to follow. I couldn't get into the book and information technology was hard to follow. ...more than

I was built-in in Brooklyn, New York to Sol and Gloria Kamen, 2 of the greatest parents who ever walked the earth. I am so thankful to take had a remarkably happy childhood, growing up in a Long Island suburb with my sister Jill Zarin, at present star of Bravo's Housewives of New York City (www.jillzarin.com). I am now a host of my own radio evidence, The Lisa Wexler Prove which airs 4-6PM EST Yard-F on News/Talk I was born in Brooklyn, New York to Sol and Gloria Kamen, two of the greatest parents who ever walked the earth. I am so thankful to accept had a remarkably happy childhood, growing up in a Long Island suburb with my sis Jill Zarin, now star of Bravo's Housewives of New York Metropolis (world wide web.jillzarin.com). I am now a host of my ain radio prove, The Lisa Wexler Bear witness which airs 4-6PM EST M-F on News/Talk 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK. For more info you can find me at world wide web.lisawexler.com." ...more

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