“Diet Myths That Keep Us Fat” by Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D. c.2009, Crown $24.95 / $28.95 Canada 304 pages About 1700 years. That’s how long you figure it will take to get into that swimsuit you bought at the end-of-season clearance last August. The swimsuit was perfect, it was marked down, and you figured you …

“Feisty First Ladies and Other Unforgettable White House Women” by Autumn Stephens c.2009, Viva Editions $16.95 215 pages Remember last years’ political uproar? No, I’m not talking about election stumping or finger-pointing. Not mavericks or Six-Packs or porcine lipstick (although who can forget those?). No, think farther back. This uproar came with a conundrum of …

“Got til it’s Gone” by Larry Duplechan c.2008, Arsenal Pulp Press $17.95 U.S. and Canada 207 pages It starts around 45. First, you notice that you need glasses. Then, you don’t remember things quite like you once did. You get up one morning, and everything creaks from head to toe. Pretty soon, your bathroom cabinet …

“If I Could Write This in Fire” by Michelle Cliff c.2008, University of Minnesota Press $21.95 / $27.40 Canada 89 pages It happens when you’re not paying attention. It happens, in fact, better when you’re not paying attention. Small thoughts flit through your brain like fireflies in summer. Things you need to remember at the …

“Labor of Love” by Thomas Beatie c.2008, Seal Press $24.95 / $32.50 Canada 280 pages Sometimes, it seems like there’s a pregnant woman everywhere you look. The clerk at the gas station just started wearing maternity clothes. Two of your co-workers are due at the same time. While you were having lunch yesterday, you must’ve …

“Pressure is a Privilege” by Billie Jean King with Christine Brennan c.2008, LifeTime Media $19.95 / $21.95 Canada 192 pages Once upon a time, women were expected to be demure. It was unthinkable for a woman to have an opinion on world events, and even more unbelievable that she might voice it in the presence …

“Don’t Call Me a Drama Queen” by Dr. Debra Mandel c.2008, Alyson Books $14.95 / $16.45 Canada 232 pages You’re ashamed to admit it, but it happened again. Another minor annoyance in your life made you fly off the handle. You overreacted with tears and hysterics, and you practically demanded that your partner, your family, …

Today’s 25-year-olds never knew a world without internet or cell phone. They say they’ll “dial your number,” but they don’t know why. For them, David Letterman has always been on late-night TV and there has always been conflict in the Middle East. John Belushi was gone before they were born. So were Bob Marley, John …