The Botox Diaries

By: Janice Kaplan, Lynn Schnurnberger

Narrated by: Susan Denaker

In a world where plastic surgery is as popular as a pair of sexy Manolo Blahniks, suburban single mom Jessica Taylor is trying to make it past 40 with nothing more than moisturizer and a swipe of mascara. Her glamorous best friend, TV producer Lucy Baldor, has a different idea of aging gracefully. “My body is a temple,” Lucy explains. “I just don’t want it to crumble like St. John the Divine.”

Jess and Lucy’s friendship has weathered the trials of marriage, the births of children, and the transition from itty-bitty bikinis to “Kindest Cut” one-piece suits. Now the women are discovering that midlife crises aren’t just for men - they’re equal-opportunity dilemmas.

To Jess’s dismay, Lucy announces that she’s taken a lover. A very famous lover. Her husband, Dan, is bound to find out (especially after a picture of the amorous duo appears on Page Six of the New York Post), but Lucy’s too wrapped up in the joys of expensive lingerie and romantic retreats to care. Jess finds herself in the midst of her own romantic predicament when, after 10 years of silence, her sexy French ex-husband, Jacques, ends up back in her life - and in her bed. Whether navigating bake sales, bicoastal affairs, or bagels-and-Botox parties, these wise and witty women know that their friendship will remain the one true thing they can count on. Well, that and a good push-up bra, of course. And their bond withstands everything - from an orgy in Willie Nelson’s trailer to a reality TV-show bachelor named Boulder.

Funny, brazen, and often poignant, this irresistible novel offers an unexpected and entertaining look at two women’s midlife adventures. From Thai massage to tantric sex, who would have thought 40 could be so much fun?

©2004 Janice Kaplan and Lynn Schnurnberger (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Amiable, good-natured comedy." (Publishers Weekly)

Thoroughly enjoyable

This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was intricate and well-balanced. Narrator did a fabulous job.

Great!!!

Another great Chick Lit! I love the stories featuring rich folks with their attitudes and their New York penthouses, Palm Beach Mansions and Manolo Blanics not to mention the lifestyle they take for granted, and yet we have a main character that seems to recognize the illusion. Botox does not disappoint!

Loved it!

Hope Audible gets more of these women's stories!! I just Botox Diaries!! So funny, witty, and charming!! I wished it didn't end! I just love the style used in these stories!

Very cute - light reading

I enjoyed listening to this book - I ended up liking the characters especially the main character, who was more down-to-earth than some of the secondary characters. It seems that whenever a story is set in NYC, I have to suspend fiscal reality as the books inevitably mention $500 Monolo shoes, etc, and everyone seems to be rich and famous; this book is no exception. The main character is a little more realistic, but just barely - she still manages to get an expensive gift from Tiffany's and moves in elite circles, but she does seem to recognize the extravagances. The book isn't "deep", but neither is it too shallow - it has enough substance that you can enjoy the light reading without it all seeming like a bit a fluff. It won't teach you any life lessons, but it will keep you entertained!

enjoyed it very much!

First off I really loved Susan Denaker's performance it in. If you haven't heard her in "Mine are Spectacular" which is also by these authors then go buy that next.

It wasn't a deep story but it was entertaining to me. It held my attention and there were times that I did chuckle out loud.

If you need a book to entertain you while you are driving to work, walking the dogs or just doing housework, get this book. You will enjoy it.

terrible!

I could barely get through this book and I wanted to hurt myself the entire time. It is so cheesy and forced and not in a fun, chick-lit way. It seemed like the author was writing about what she thinks hip, fun people would be like, rather than writing a book with authentic characters and experiences. If I could return this book or delete it from audible.com, I would in a heartbeat.

Painful!

Humor is forced and not at all funny. Made my 2 hour daily commute longer and I found myself rolling my eyes at every other line. Blah!!!

boring

I took me ages to finish this book. I didn't like the characters, they stay flat throughout the story which is contrived and boring.
Can't recommend this one.