Have you ever heard of the Pulpwood Queens?
I sure hadn't, until a publisher mailed me a copy of The Pulpwood Queens: Tiara-Wearing Book-Sharing Guide to Life.
The book was written by Kathy L. Patrick who runs and owns Beauty and the Book - the only hair salon that also functions as a bookclub and bookstore of sorts. Kathy, I gather, has been hugely successful through melding beauty with brains in one store. She not only does hair and makeup at her salon, but also has authors stop in to talk about their books, and encourages women to read her book of the month and then stop in to talk about it at the monthly book club meeting. Kathy's concept not only inspired the openings of chapters of the book club around the USA but also landed her appearances on Good Morning America and other talk shows.
I was sent this book because it's something that I'm supposed to enjoy reading about - afterall, I have a beauty blog which by its very nature combines writing with beauty products; however, I thought that the book was a long read. I get that Kathy's idea is original and has made her successful, but since I didn't know anything about it to begin with, I just didn't find her life story very interesting or relevant. Furthermore, Kathy's book is a metanarrative at parts and although that might be the way that she tells her story to her friends, it's not the best way to write a book because the telling of one particular instance can go on for too long.
If you are familiar with the Pulpwood Queens phenomenon, then perhaps you will like reading this book. If you are a member of a book club or have always wanted to start your own book club, then I am sure that you will find this tale very inspiring. The Pulpwood Queens comes out in January 2008 and is available for pre-order online.
3 comments:
Dear Henna,
Thank you for the mention on your website on my book, "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life."
I just wanted you to know we do indeed have Pulpwood Queens in Canada, one of the eight foreign countries that have started chapters. My hope was when writing the book to show that professional cosmetologist's are indeed readers and I figured if one person was inspired as I was when I found the book that turned me on to reading, then I had accomplished my goal.
If you have any questions you would like to ask me about my hair salon/book store here in East Texas, I would be more than happy to answer them for you or your readers.
I would much rather read an honest review than one that is trying to impress. Criticism can bring to me a better book next time so I thank you again for your honesty!
Tiara Wearing and Book Sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of The Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs
Beauty and the Book
608 North Polk Street
Jefferson, Texas 75657
www.beautyandthebook.com
Thank you for your note, Kathy!
You are welcome Henna. I consider myself a life long learner and this was my first book. I have learned a great deal from your comments on my book and look forward to more. For isn't that what reading is suppose to do, enlighten, educate, and yes, spur discussion. Thank you again and your comments were taken to heart.
Tiara wearing and book sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
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