Too Much Mahogany

"Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with ..."

Yeah! Yeah! That was the hot line by Billy Dee Williams in Mahogany back in the 70s. But it also seems to be the theme of Star Jones', who seems to want to live her life in a perpetual fairy tale (not that it's a problem ... it's just not my thing), new book.

I'm not really sure who Star Jones' fan base is. I still watch The View but my favorite host is Joy Behar. I've always found Star's diva antics a bit much, her wardrobe style a bit drag like and all of the flamboyance a sign of deep insecurity rather than the confidence she claims to exude. Unlike many, I was never really fixated on her weight and didn't really notice a problem until it seemed that she could barely get a sentence out without gasping for air. But for the most part she works my nerves to death on the show.

However, it seems as though she has a new book chronicling her weight issues and quest for love and the "perfect man" (be nice people). Though I definitely give Star full props for her accomplishments, I'm just not sure I'd be looking to her for advice because, money aside, I cannot say I want anything she has. But, to each his/her own. Pick up a copy of Shine if you think you could benefit from the wisdom of her journey.

Then she realized something else: with all her extraordinary accomplishments, none of it mattered without true love. Thinking long and hard, she finally understood that she hadn't yet met the man of her dreams because she wasn't ready for him.

Star decided to make it happen. She began a personal journey to reconstitute her physical look, emotional state, and already strong spirituality. Even if she didn't find love, it would be a win-win situation because she'd emerge from the experience a healthier, happier woman -- one who could truly shine. Unless you live on another planet, you know Star succeeded in her quest and did find true love -- and it wasn't that hard at all. In Shine, she shares it all in her wise, revealing, irreverent, laugh-out-loud style.

Shine is divided into three main sections, each exploring core issues of interest to women. Part One guides women toward being their most attractive physical selves using Star's personal secrets on losing weight and finding hair, fashion, and makeup chic (inexpensively). Part Two asks tough questions about emotional preparedness for a relationship and shows you how to think like lawyers, and how to get your financial and emotional houses in order. Part Three delves into a woman's spiritual life -- discover how to talk to God no matter what your religion. Spiking the book are Star's 'absolutes' -- truisms that have always worked for her and continue to give her guidance -- quizzes and self-assessment exercises that will help you focus on your particular strengths and weaknesses.