cover image Emme Emergency

Emme Emergency

Emme, Emme Aronson, Natasha Stoynoff. St. Martin's Press, $22.95 (288pp) ISBN 978-0-312-28682-8

Model Emme (True Beauty), the host of a cable TV show and designer of a clothing line, delivers a lightweight, bouncy self-help guide with the assistance of journalist pal Stoynoff. Drawing on a variety of experts such as yoga teacher Mauri Ploppo, fashion stylist Jennifer Crawford and financial consultant Gregory Prato, the authors offer an""on-the-go-girl's guide to solving pesky problems in a fun and female-friendly way."" The minor emergencies, which are described through examples and personal anecdotes, range from how to give an impromptu party to ways of avoiding max-out credit cards, and from what music to play to get in the mood to how to solve fashion dilemmas by paying strict attention to body size. Although Emme feels strongly that women should accept their own shape, and is opposed to dieting in pursuit of thinness, she does encourage healthy eating and regular exercise. The book vacillates from the frivolous, exemplified by a strong admonition never to wear silver and gold jewelry together, to the more serious, such as a discussion of the importance of spiritual nourishment. Each chapter is designed like an article in a women's magazine and is classic beach or airline reading.