Wear Sunscreen: A Primer for Real Life (Hardcover)

by Mary Schmich (Author) "Ladies and Gentlemen, Wear sunscreen..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Mary Schmich's inspiration began simply enough. While walking to work one day, she spied a young woman basking in the sun. "That girl should be wearing sunscreen," she thought. That same day while under deadline pressure, she used a bit of advice to launch her next column. The fictional commencement address she wrote was an enchanting and insightful column that appeared in her regular space in the June 1, 1997, edition of the Chicago Tribune. What followed, however, was far from simple. Posted on the Internet, Schmich's column quickly became an international sensation. Friends e-mailed it to friends; the media picked up on it and a star was born. There was only one problem: Everyone thought the column was an actual commencement address given by author Kurt Vonnegut. "What she wrote was funny and wise and charming." Vonnegut told the New York Times, "so I would have been proud had the words been mine." But now the truth is out, and Schmich continues to be lauded for her witty and poignant look at life. "Do one thing every day that scares you." "Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room." "Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good." This book will, no doubt, become the hot graduation gift for high schoolers and college students as they embark on the world.

About the Author
Mary Schmich lives in Chicago and is a columnist at the Chicago Tribune. She also writes the comic strip Brenda Starr. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836255283
• ISBN-13: 978-0836255287
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #403,773 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This is a song, August 29, 2000

By	Charles L Coffelt (Las Cruces, NM USA) - See all my reviews

I bought this book thinking that it was a little bit more than the song "Wear Sunscreen." This book is only The words to the song. It is a great book, I just wanted to make sure that you knew that it is the words to the song and nothing else.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the commencement speech we should have heard., September 3, 1999

By A Customer

Mary Schmich's funny, wise, and oh-so-true faux commencement address is a joy to read over and over again, and a great gift for recent graduates or to folks just needing a lift. If you are old enough to appreciate the wisdom of her words, you'll nod your head and smile. If too young, listen to what she says, and trust all of us, wear sunscreen. You'll thank us later.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FIVE STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH FOR THIS BOOK!!!!, March 23, 1999

By A Customer

Initially, I was skeptical of Ms. Schmich's inspired, heartfelt advice for living. But after friends convinced me that this was not just another "get rich quick" scheme, I really started to listen ...and listen! ... and Listen!!!! Ms. Schmich's advice has the kind of downhome wholeness and hermeneutical quidditas I've never experienced from any writer except Ayn Rand who is still my all time favorite. I don't think there's any amount of money you could pay to make this book too expensive. And I can't believe I'm the only reader who has had similar experiences???