It's My Pleasure: A Revolutionary Plan to Free Yourself from Guilt and Create the Life You Want [Hardcover]

Maria Rodale (Author), Maya Rodale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 19, 2005

Pleasure: The state -- or feeling -- of being pleased, gratified, delighted. A source of enjoyment. Sensual gratification. What's "your" pleasure? However you define it, pleasure is vital to every woman's life -- to your life -- especially in today's hard-driving, hard-working society. Yet most women have lost sight of their vital need for pleasure, and feel guilty for taking even ten minutes for themselves -- they don't want to seem self-indulgent, or they can't afford the time, or they're too busy taking care of other people instead of themselves. For your own sake -- and ultimately for your loved ones -- it's high time you dropped the guilt and took back "your" pleasure. In "It's My Pleasure," Maria Rodale, the dynamic leader of a powerful lifestyle corporation who successfully revolutionized her own business, and Maya Rodale, her talented writer-daughter, show you how to create a pleasure revolution in your own life -- to stop hiding your pleasure and incorporate it fully into everything you do, no matter what your age, situation, or religious background. In the Rodales' exciting vision of every woman's potential, pleasure is not a simple, momentary experience to be segregated into a few minutes a day. It's endemic to women's bodies, minds, and experiences on Earth. And it's essential for your health and success. Drawing from their years of research into women's history -- including the suppressed ancient Goddess religions -- as well as the latest scientific findings, the Rodales prove that, for women, pleasure is the path to freedom, happiness, and self-fulfillment. To show us the myriad ways to find satisfaction and become the heroines of our own lives, theyconduct lively interviews with "Pleasure Revolutionaries" including scientist Helen Fisher, historian Riane Eisler, writers Julia Quinn and Ruth Reichl, and gourmet pioneer Alice Waters. They also profile inspiring heroines from history -- adventurous, colorful women from all over the world and all walks of life -- from the fictional Nancy Drew and Dagny Taggart and powerful mythic figures such as Inanna and Mary Magdalene to popular artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Madonna, romance novelists George Sand and Nora Roberts, and activist Victoria Woodhull, who was the first woman to run for president. These Pleasure Revolutionaries also prove that change, self-discovery, and self-improvement don't have to involve suffering. Synthesizing their findings into a practical, affirming philosophy, the Rodales spice it with their own experiences, fun tips, and lists, and fuse it into appealing, realistic guidance for life, love, friendship, and romance. "It's My Pleasure" celebrates women's voices, insights, and experiences in a format that any woman can use to take action, create positive change, meet the highs and lows of a demanding world, and develop confidence, optimism...and lasting pleasure.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this unconventional dual-memoir/self-help book, Maria Rodale, the vice-chairman of Rodale Inc., and her daughter Maya tell women how they focus on their own pleasure, from spending time alone to the use of a vibrator (which college-age Maya prefers to the boys she knows). Maria's and Maya's stories make for a compelling and honest pair of case studies that illuminate the different experiences of the two generations; in a discussion of following one's heart, Maria details how she reshaped Rodale, while Maya shares her decision to transfer from a small Connecticut college to bustling New York University in the wake of 9/11. How readers can translate these inspiring examples into their own lives is less clear. The advice included is simple; for example, sleeping naked, dining alone in a restaurant. The 30 short chapters also include profiles of "Pleasure Revolutionaries," women through history (from Mary Magdalene to Madonna) who the Rodales say demonstrate that pleasure-seeking "is an ancient, sacred path." Profiles based on interviews with contemporary women, such as romance writer Julia Quinn, are stronger than the minibios of historical figures. Emphasis on their strong beliefs in the power of ancient goddess worship and romance novels won't resonate with everyone, but their vivid personal stories could inspire many readers to seek their own pleasure. (May 3)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Free Press; First Edition edition (April 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743270819
• ISBN-13: 978-0743270816
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #962,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this book!, June 11, 2005

By 

O. Brown "Ms. O. Khannah-Brown" (Twopeas, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: It's My Pleasure: A Revolutionary Plan to Free Yourself from Guilt and Create the Life You Want (Hardcover)

****
This book is all about women and pleasure, and why we feel so guilty when we think about experiencing or actually experience pleasure. It is different from other books because of its authors, Maria and Maya Rodale, of Rodale Press fame. The mother and daughter perspective was especially intriguing to me. Both women share their experiences along their journey to find out who they are as individuals, and as self-defined "pleasure revolutionaries". They interweave the book with fun exercises, stories of famous "pleasure revolutionaries", historical details, and much more.

The book brings in many unconventional ideas, such as reading romance novels, exploring non-traditional religions, traveling alone, and the like. While I would not necessarily follow the paths these two women did in any particular area, I felt like the book gave me permission to venture out and try some things I would not ordinarily try. I have to admit that after all of their positive experiences with romance novels, I am considering even giving them a try, too.

One reviewer said there was not a lot of substance to this book, and I really disagree. It is full of resources for exploring "pleasure" in your own life (including Internet sites, lists, books, etc.), and a great guide. It is entertaining and fun to boot. It's the type of book that would be interesting for girlfriends to read (I'm loaning my copy to my best friend) or even better, for a woman's book club!

One caveat: If you are pretty straight-laced, you might find some things too adventurous here---like some of the erotic Internet sites or discussions of sexual toys, etc.---I did not find anything offensive however---all was in good taste. I'm the type of person who feels comfortable taking what fits and not worrying about the rest...if you're not that way, this might not be the best choice for you...if you are, read and enjoy!!
****

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I wonder about a few things....., November 13, 2008

By 

Peacepoet (Northern NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's My Pleasure (Kindle Edition)

I am reading this book right now and I am not finding too many revolutionary things about it that would help me overcome any major guilt. I do like the philosophy of the strong, independent woman, but I question how strong and independent our authors would be if they weren't Rodales and how much this whole story would be different if Maria Rodale did not have the family business to always fall back on. Seriously, not many of us have a major publishing company to fall back on should our choices not pan out.
Also, when you are from said family, it is really easy to make suggestions about how to obtain that freedom if money was no object. Maria's trip to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or Maya's summer in Paris as catalyst to their changes in life and thinking is a little unobtainable for us common folk. I mean it wouldn't take me being in the middle of nowhere in Iceland to come to the conclusion that country living may work for me. I thought if I read anymore about how Maya is so happy to be able make a living as a writer and do nothing but sit in her pajamas and write at will that I would throw the book across the room.
In a nutshell, it's real easy to be "revolutionary" when money isn't an issue.

20 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Are you kidding??!!, June 13, 2005

By 

Fertile Rain - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's My Pleasure: A Revolutionary Plan to Free Yourself from Guilt and Create the Life You Want (Hardcover)

One of the most insipid self-help books ever penned. The author has no insight and her only "revelation" is that she did drugs and fooled around as a teen. Wow! There is literally nothing of value here. Did the buyers who wrote positive reviews actually read this thing??!!