Keep It Simple, Stupid: You're Smarter Than You Look

Stop squabbling and get real because Judge Judy (author of the bestselling Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever) is back on all our cases with the patented combination of sass and savvy made famous on her hugely popular syndicated television show. Here, she presents a series of short, lively composites of classic family conflicts that she has heard over the years, concerning everything from the breakups of live-in relationships to funeral arrangements. Just as in court, Judge Judy gives both parties a chance to say their piece before she passes judgment and hands out her bracing, no-nonsense advice. Pig-headed would-be family feuders take notice: Judge Judy has no problem saying, ""I find you guilty of being insensitive and a bit shallow."" Her wrist slaps and tongue-lashings are all part of the brand of justice she doles out. Another refreshing aspect of her rulings is that while she recognizes the rights bestowed upon a parent by law regarding, for example, joint custody after an acrimonious divorce, she also points out when exercising those rights may not be in a child's best interest; she also proposes more humane alternatives that may be less destructive. Her many fans will know that Judge Judy stands for honesty, loyalty, honoring family ties and protecting kids--and that dirty rotten rats need not appeal for mercy. While she discloses how others may have failed to keep the peace over money, marriage, divorce and re-marriage, she also reminds her readers to ""stop playing games,"" ""grow up"" and do the right thing. B&w illus. (July)