Susan Shapiro Bücher

¿Laughter is the best medicine¿ is a favorite cliché for many of us. Some take this literally while others realize that, yes, life has a lot of ills that we need laughter to take our minds away from misery.

Revisiting a past romance can lead to unexpected revelations, as Lila Penn discovers when she reconnects with her former professor, Daniel Wildman, decades later. Set against the vibrant backdrops of Manhattan and Tel Aviv, the narrative delves into the complexities of memory and desire, unraveling a long-buried sexual secret that has haunted both characters. Susan Shapiro's novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the impact of the past on the present, filled with humor and emotional depth.

"Aquilino Gonell came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a young boy. Although he spoke no English, he dedicated himself to his adopted land, striving for the American dream. Determined to be a success story, he joined the army to pay for college. He saw action in Iraq and returned home with PTSD. Believing in the promise of our government, he focused on healing himself and supporting his family. His hard work paid off when he landed a coveted position with the United States Capitol Police and rose to the rank of sergeant. January 6, 2021, changed everything. When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Gonell bravely faced down the mob attempting to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal injuries he sustained that day would end his career in law enforcement. But when some of the very people he put his life on the line to protect downplayed or denied the truth of that day, he chose to speak out against the injustice done to him and the country. Chronicling what it means to live a life of conviction, one that adheres to the best ideas of our democracy, American Shield is a bold testament to the power of truth, justice, and accountability from a highly decorated officer and immigrant who exemplifies the greatest aspirations of a grateful nation"-- Provided by publisher

The memoir explores Susan Shapiro's journey towards clean living as she confronts her long-term relationship with cigarettes, which she realizes has been her most fulfilling connection. Through humor and insight, she shares her experiences with five self-destructive substances, highlighting the challenges and revelations that come with her quest for a healthier lifestyle. This candid reflection on addiction and recovery showcases her resilience and determination to break free from harmful habits.

Rachel Solomon, a photographer in Manhattan, struggles with the complexities of her Midwestern Jewish family and her condescending friend-turned-sister-in-law, Elizabeth. As Elizabeth marries Rachel's brother and embodies the ideal daughter, Rachel grapples with feelings of inadequacy and familial expectations. The tension escalates as Elizabeth's new life starkly contrasts with Rachel's aspirations, leading her to confront her identity and the weight of her family's legacy.

In this humorous work, Susan Shapiro shares her experiences and insights, drawing a playful comparison to Proust's famous madeleine moment. Through her witty storytelling, she explores themes of nostalgia, indulgence, and the joy of life's simple pleasures, all while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. The narrative invites readers to reflect on their own sweet memories and the significance of small delights in everyday life. Shapiro's engaging style makes this book both entertaining and relatable.

A candid and humorous exploration of love and heartbreak, this memoir follows journalist Susan Shapiro as she reconnects with five significant men from her past. Spanning her teenage years to early adulthood, she reflects on her romantic misadventures, revealing the emotional turmoil and lessons learned from each relationship. With sharp wit and introspection, Shapiro seeks to understand what went wrong, offering readers a relatable journey through the complexities of love and personal growth.