I Suck at Relationships So You Don’t Have To

Frankel (Skinny Girl Solutions), a reality television personality and creator of the Skinnygirl brand, offers a comprehensive and candid guide on dating and relationships. Now in her 40s, Frankel reflects on her previous relationships and marriages, immediately confessing she’s a “disaster” in her own love life. While Frankel begins by noting her advice does not exclude same-sex couples, the book which follows is unmistakably heteronormative (not to mention insulting in its characterization of men as sex-obsessed simpletons.) It’s salvaged by generous, even-handed, and insightful interjections from Frankel’s therapist, Xavier Amador, who doesn’t hesitate to contradict her more biased statements. For her part, Frankel offers insights gleaned from her self-investigation that should ring true for anyone: don’t lose yourself, listen to relationship signs and how your body responds to them, and ensure control of the relationship remains 50-50. She employs many lists defining (and limiting) male and female behavior, all of which are easy to read and can be entertaining when not offensive. It is undeniable that Frankel has good advice to offer on relationships, though her book, which promises to apply to all individuals, will likely only appeal to her existing fan base and a limited subset of American women. (Apr.)