READ IT:

I wouldn't think divorce would be funny, but a book about a divorced dad certainly can fit the bill.

If you'll remember, I was really taken with Matthew M.F. Miller's Maybe Baby. I have no experience with infertility, it is considered a sad subject, and yet I found myself simultaneously entertained and educated.

The 40-Year-Old Version is similarly an enjoyable book that tackles tricky subject matter without pulling out the tiny violins. Most of us don't have the time or inclination to read books that make us feel stressed out or leave us feeling depressed. But The 40-Year-Old Version is instead a real story - with funny parts, tense parts, and of course those "life lessons" too, but imparted in an amusing way. I don't have experience with divorce, but that doesn't mean this book isn't an enjoyable and eye-opening read for me. Similarly, giving it to my husband wouldn't be a way to say our marriage is over. Rather, this book is a way to learn from another person's experiences while being entertained.

Schwartzberg was featured today in the pages of The Montclair Times as well as on the #1 single parenting site (click over and you could win a copy of the book!) Tomorrow (Friday) at 4pm Pacific, listen to Schwartzberg on "The Michael Medved Show" and on WFUV (90.7) "Cityscape" Saturday at 7:30 am Pacific.

And if you're in San Francisco, watch for Schwartzberg on ABC's "View from the Bay" the week of June 30.

You can pick up an autographed copy of the book at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, or if you don't live in the San Francisco Bay area, order it on Amazon (with their speedy shipping.)

BLOW IT:

It is no big secret that I love plaid. Or, if you are a new reader - now you know. I think I inherited this from my father, who has tons of plaid wool shirts. Rather than get him another, this year I am getting him some plaid handkerchiefs, among other things. (I got some for myself, too!)

These pictured are on sale at Orvitz - call them to see if they can supply your location with overnight delivery. Or, purchase them to give later. After all, summertime isn't typically when people think of handkerchiefs (unless they have pollen allergies) or tartan (which seems to be a Christmas-y wintery type thing.) I actually purchased an extra set to include in a school fundraiser auction; I am gathering plaid items to create a "Mad About Plaid" gift basket. I'm also doing a "Dots and Dashes"
collection.

I think my dad will get a kick out of these, I know I like carrying 'em around!
.

PLAY IT:

Thanks to the Wii Hospital, our Wii is good as new. (Oh, you didn't know it was broken? Yes, the lens got scratched or something since we use the thing so often. It was less than a week before the hospital shipped it back to us good as new - whew! THAT is great customer service!)

Thus, I'm relieved, because I purchased Punch Out!! for the Wii, and it would be a shame if we Husband couldn't play it immediately on Sunday. Remember that game from way back when? My then-boyfriend and my younger brother played it all the time. I even got into the action for awhile, although I seem to remember I'd usually watch - ordinarily with the long-discontinued Taco Bell "Breakfast Burrito" in my hand. Golly how I loved those little tater-tot things combined with sour cream and hot sauce in a tortilla! Ah, memories...

WEAR IT:

My husband isn't a jewelry guy, but my youngest son is. I anticipate that when he is older, he'll really want a guitar string bracelet, perhaps from one of his favorite artists. (Right now he's into his pink ukulele, so not really sure how his music tastes will evolve, but bracelets are BIG for him.)

I know some of you out there have husbands or fathers who would really dig this concept. Each guitar string bracelet is handcrafted from recycled fine silver and guitar strings used and donated by the artist you select. The bracelets have a variety of customization choices available, from engraving to adding jewels or special clasps.

Bracelets are packaged in recycled DVD cases with certificates of authenticity. Profits are donated to charities selected by the artists. Since each bracelet is custom made upon order, production time can take up to three weeks before item ships. This means it isn't feasible to quickly get one before Sunday - but this is something to consider for birthdays, for Father's Day 2010, or perhaps if your dad thinks it is still May, you can put off your Festivities of the Father until July.

Disclaimer: Joel Schwartzberg seems like such a nice guy, and so when he gave me his book to check out, I was happy. I was not required to review the book, nor have I or will I receive payment for mentioning his book. The other products mentioned here (with the exception of the link to the Parent Bloggers Network review of Maybe Baby) were paid for with my own money without any persuasion or payment from the suppliers of said products. I learned of WearYourMusic.org through Cool Mom Picks, who consistently find the coolest stuff around.