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: 6.3 x 1.1 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 29 people found the following review helpful

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

By Fertile Rain

Format: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??!!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

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

By O. Brown HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format: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!!

****

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I have looked for this book for two years!! May 29, 2008

By Margaret Chung

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am not sure how anyone could give this book such a poor review. As a matter of fact, I was so disgusted by the one star reviews on here, I just had to respond. There are many, many badly written pulp fiction and nonfiction books out there, but this is most assuredly not one of them. I loved the words of wisdom from Maya and Maria. I loved the mother/daughter perspective. I had first picked up a copy of this book in a NYC library and loved it. I meant to buy my own copy, and forgot. Gradually, I lost the title and author names, and have been wishing for two years I had bought the book when I meant to. Last night I was going through old journals and there was the book information. I bought two copies form amazon immediately, and will also put this on my shelf of favorite reads. The authors understand the questions and guilt women must deal with everyday, and their insight and solutions are dead on. A great read! If ever you see this, I thank you Maria and Maya. Great work.