Author Archive for Karen

I don’t know how many of you have seen Charles Grodin’s great comedic roles in The Heartbreak Kid or Midnight Run, but his performances are laugh-out-loud funny. What you may not know, is that he’s also a really great person who has spent much of the last 20 years giving back to those who need help–from the homeless (he is a major fundraiser for Help USA) to those who are suffering extremely long imprisonments under the felony murder rule.
We are so proud to have published HOW I GOT TO BE WHOEVER IT IS I AM, Chuck’s recent memoir that recounts the “teaching moments” in his life from his days in Hebrew School to his days as a talk show host. His stories are funny and revelatory. I am lucky enough to know Chuck; I’d like to introduce him to you through his book.

Filed under: Books • Boomers • Media

Yesterday, as I sat at my desk and saw hourly updates about the tragic shooting at my son’s school and my alma mater, Wesleyan, I couldn’t help but think how my son’s childhood and his brushes with public crises and tragedies is so much more personal than mine.
My friends and I grew up crying about the assassinations of political leaders: John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy. These deaths were tragic and had great ramifications for the country and its citizens, but there were few of us who felt it affected us on a very personal level.
But our children have grown up with the tragedies of the Oklahoma Bombing, the Columbine shooting, the massive destruction of 9-11, the Virginia Tech massacres, and other horrible tragedies that touch everyday citizens just going about their business, whether it’s going to an office, a day care center, a class, or, as in the case of Johanna Justin-Jinich, working at a café to earn some money to help pay the college bills.
I live in a suburb outside of New York City, and I remember September 11, 2001, when I went to pick up my sons from school, but knew that the schools were not releasing them early as the officials weren’t sure how many of the children’s parents might have been affected by the World Trade Center destruction. Later that day I heard how the parents of three of my son’s close friends either happened to not be at work that day, or got to work late, or decided not to listen to the loudspeaker and walked down the stairs to safety instead of staying at their desks. And I felt so grateful for this gift that these boys I knew didn’t have to experience such a tragic loss so young.
Now I think of my son and his two friends from our town, who were confined to their dorms at college (One of these friends’ father was the one who got to the World Trade Center late on September 11th and avoided catastrophe). I can’t quite believe that a tragedy, which has made the nightly news and the newspapers and websites, touched someone I hold so close to my heart. But then I remember that this same child has grown up knowing 9-11 happened 20 miles away, and that there are different colors for how safe he should feel that day, and that you don’t just enter a plane without taking off your shoes and belt and throwing away your bottle of water. He knows these are the rules, the way things are today.
But what I find heartening is that he and his friends constantly build havens around themselves, and they revel in their freedom. I resent that his current haven has temporarily been upset. But last night when he called, he sounded fine, and not very worried or scared. He was still making plans and telling us of his schedule for finals and moving his stuff back home. The only thing that was different about his phone call is that at the end of it he said something that usually goes unsaid, although it is understood. He said, “Mom, I love you.”

Filed under: News

Yesterday and today, everyone here at Springboard and the Hachette Book Group decided to put our muscle where our publishing mouths are. Yes, the publishers of Gail Blanke’s Throw Out Fifty Things dug through those drawers, reshelved those books and decided what to give away and what to throw away. It was quite an energizing experience (I and others on the 16th floor did it yesterday; the 13th and 15th floor is throwing away as I write).
I gave away some of the duplicates of books I always wanted to read, but haven’t yet found the time. I brought other books home so that I’ll actually read them there (as opposed to trying to do so while I multitasked at my desk). And I threw out at least one pair of old shoes; I brought a mug or two that I never use to the swap room, and I recycled enough paper to make nests for flocks of birds.
You know what was the best part? I feel lighter and freer. I found things I forgot I had like nice note cards, great blush, and wonderful olive oil I had received as a Christmas gift, but hadn’t yet brought home.
I felt like I was coming into a new office this morning, and I was eager to get to the work on my relatively tidy desk!
I recommend the feeling highly.
Do you have the urge to spring clean? Let me know.

Filed under: Fun

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I feel very tired and a little beaten down by the short, dark days of winter.  My skin seems to get paler to reflect the lack of sunshine and new adventures  in my life this time of year.  Well, it might sound superficial, but I’ve realized how much better I feel after I put on a little tinted moisturizer, some blush and maybe even a little bronzer.  All of a sudden I look more awake…and even happier. 

I was lucky enough to work on the new Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual and, believe me, it will tell you all you need to know about looking better…whether from bronzer or eye liner, or just eating right.  

I know in May, my cheeks will look a little more flushed from being outside in the fresh air and from walking my dog, but right now I need cosmetics.  Am I the only one?  Let me know.

(photo by Henry Leutwyler)

Filed under: Style