The Best Of Dear Abby [Paperback]

Van buren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1989

A compilation of the most provocative questions and the wisest and wittiest answers to appear in "Dear Abby"'s thirty-three years of syndication.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Dear Abby, after over 40 years of doling out caring advice on every conceivable subject on the American landscape, is as much a cultural icon as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny (and a lot more believable, in my view!). Reading this collection of her columns is a tangible way of watching the social fabric and issues evolve over more than four decades, and seeing Dear Abby evolve right along with it! When Dear Abby says, "I care," it is very clear that she is sincere and that she truly wants to help people help themselves. Why hasn't this woman gotten the Nobel Prize yet? Or at least, a Pulitzer ... Her generous, kind heart comes across on these pages loud and clear.

From Library Journal

This second edition is basically a trade paperback reprint of the 1981 original, with some format changes and new topics (e.g., AIDS) added. LJ 's reviewer saw the first edition as a collection of "predictable yet poignant problems of sex, marriage, religion, child rearing, and old age, interspersed with plaints of a Thurberesque procession of spouses whose partners find bowling an aphrodisiac or buy cemetery plots instead of sewing machines as anniversary gifts" ( LJ 11/15/81). In other words, something for everyone.
- Judy Quinn, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; Original edition (January 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836262417
• ISBN-13: 978-0836262414
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,078 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars you are what you read, June 15, 2008

By 

JGC - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This was a book that my mom read when it first came out because she was always a fan of Dear Abby and I first read this book years and years ago when I first started becoming interested in this great individual. "Dear Abby," otherwise known as Ms. Abigail Van Buren was such a fascinating person who always gave the best life-lessons. And, she truly invented the modern American advice column.

Yesterday I was reorganizing my study and I came across this book and I decided to read it again. What a great idea that was. In a way I'm thankful that most of the MSM has gone to hell in a handle basket, otherwise I never would have been reintroduced to this book.

"The Best of Dear Abby" is just what it says it is, Ms. Van Buren's very best letters, over the course of 25++ years. In it she addresses infidelity, adulatory, honesty, love, education, betrayal, loyalty, priorities and of course S-E-X. Dear Abby is witty, clever and always on the mark. But more than that she's forthright and convincing.

What did I learn from this book?

Really, I learned many important life-long lessons. First, even though this book is over 27 years old it's still relatable and that's because Dear Abby is timeless. She was the voice of reason who didn't change her values or morals with the times (times may change, but not decent people.) Dear Abby also reaffirmed my belief in the goodness of others and in the celebration of talking out and discussing your problems.

I also learned another very important lesson that Ms. Van Buren's book & advice column always resonated: DON'T ROCK THE BOAT! In other words, if it ain't broke don't fix it. And hold on to what you got because even if it isn't perfect it's better than many others! Also, if you have a secret that is better left untold then why open your mouth if it's only going to hurt others? Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) secrets (not lies) are best kept from the people who you're the closest to. I thank Ms. Van Buren for reminding me that.

As you may know, Dear Abby founded her popular column in the 50's and retired in the mid 90's. Ms. Van Buren is still very much alive, although she is living with Alzheimer's Disease (as of '06 she was in the middle stages of this illness.) Currently, the "Dear Abby" column is written by Ms. Van Buren's daughter, Ms. Jeanne Phillips who owns the rights to the "Dear Abby" legacy.

Remember, you are what you read!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recomended!, September 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Best Of Dear Abby (Paperback)

As a current resident of Abby's hometown, Sioux City, Iowa, I can honestly say that this is a very interesting book! I love the letters that she chose to (re)print, and I think readers of her column would enjoy this book too. I also recomend Ann Lander's book.

5.0 out of 5 stars the best of dear abby, October 28, 2011

By 

Laurie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Best of Dear Abby (Paperback)

I had owned this book at least 20 years ago and it fell apart so was I happywhen I was able to order it on amazon