Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center (audio)

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered "where did the perky twenty-something go?" or "whose big butt is that?". Have you wondered when was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your other half, or when you stopped being a woman and started being an automaton that cleans messes and slings hash? As a wife and a mom, this the insanity that I live with. I wouldn't trade it for the world, mind you, but sometimes its nice to know you're among friends that understand.

This is your gift when you read "Everyone is Beautiful". Officially, it is "mommy lit" but that words seems to cheapen the book. It is more of a story about women, about finding yourself, and about the beauty within all of us.

Because of an opportunity for her husband to further his musical education and career, Lanie has just uprooted herself and her three boys under the age of 4 from her home state of Texas to the east coast. They have no money, their apartment is tiny, she hasn't lost the baby weight, the kids are typical out-of-control toddler boys, and she has no friends. When a pert little "khaki mom" at the park asks Lanie when she is due (why in God's name do women DO that?) she decides it is time to take charge of her life. She joins a gym and enrolls in a photography class, and tries to reclaim the woman she used to be. Only she ends up risking her marriage in the process.

There is alot that most women will find in common with Lanie. Now, her situation is a little extreme. I will admit that my kids never pooped on my friend's white furniture, a colleague never planted a big wet one on me in front of my husband, the landlord has never seen me naked, and I've never fallen off a treadmill, but you'll completely understand where she is coming from. I would estimate that 95% of women out there know what it feels like to lose herself in the tidal wave of motherly and wifely responsibilities, and will cheer Lanie on to regain her footing. The best part about this story is the author's voice (heard as Lanie's voice). It is worn out and adrift, but with a sense of humor you've gotta have to survive this period in your life. The author adds in a little humility and a little self-deprecation, which will have you laughing out loud throughout this easy-to-read romp of a book.