Best known as the mother-in-law of comedian Mike Myers and the inspiration for his "Coffee Talk" character on Saturday Night Live,
Richman plays it for real in this rambling autobiographical summary of her spiritual journey (through psychotherapy, psychics and a trip to the Holy Land) after she was unhinged by the death of her son, Jordan, at age 29, in a car accident. Richman has had more than her share of hard knocks: her father died when she was eight and her husband had a gambling habit, leading her to become an agoraphobic, unable to leave her home for 11 years. Delivered in a flat, New York tone, Richman, now a lecturer at the posh Canyon Ranch spa (and prone to name-dropping), stresses the importance of making time for fun in one's life ("Fun is better than no fun"). However, she also emphasizes that it's important to accept and embrace the bad. When sadness becomes overwhelming, Richman recommends a two-day, in-bed "pity party." Practical, poignant and funny, this selection leaves listeners feeling as though they have spent an afternoon with a bossy, albeit well-meaning friend. Simultaneous release with the Warner hardcover (Forecasts, Jan. 1). (Feb.)
