We are obsessed with the “new”– mostly due to intense promotional efforts on behalf of deodorants, clothing styles, restaurants, and books. Books from earlier years of a publisher or author are called the backlist. Look there for bestsellers that are now covered with dust, just the thing for a library search. Here are some backlist gems and new releases:

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester, Harper Perennial 1998

This delightful book has been kicking around my stack of books for years. A sudden drought in the Books on Hold cue at the Chicago Public Library led me to reach for it. Winchester skillfully takes us through the enormous project from 1879 to 1928 that resulted in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) – 20 volumes.

He surrounds the project with the story of its editor, Prof. James Murry, and one of the OED’s most prolific contributors, Dr. W.E. Minor, the madman. Highly recommended If you enjoy creative non-fiction and history.

A Round-Heeled Woman; My Late Life Adventures in Sex and Romance by Jane Juska, Wheeler/Windsor 2003

Oh my, what a delightful book! How is it not a well-known classic of fun female literature? Reminded me of Erika Jong’s 1973 best-sell, Fear of Flying. Except this woman is 66. And she wants sex, and not marriage, or even a long-term relationship.

Those of us who live alone long for touch, for physical closeness. Is that chapter closed? Juska didn’t want it to be and put an ad in a classy lit magazine for sex partners. The results are wonderful. Your library probably has a copy gathering dust. Order it!

July’s People by Nadine Gordimer, Penguin 1982

Pick up any novel, book of short stories, or essay by Gordimer and come away enriched, entertained, and aware of late 20^th century life in South Africa. July’s People is set in a fictional South African civil war in which black South Africans have violently overturned the system of apartheid. 

The story follows the Smales, a liberal White South African family who were forced to flee Johannesburg to the native village of their black servant, July. In the bush, the world turns upside down. Recommended for lovers of social history and good stories.

Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo, Avid Reader Press, 2022 – Short Stories        

I ordered this because a review promised short stories collected around a theme. I enjoy short stories that reuse characters and locations, giving a changing perspective. Though the stories are well-written, I didn’t find the connection, except for Generation X female angst.

But it’s almost worth the read to see the development of the protagonist of the dating service Ghost Lovers. If only Taddeo had developed that theme throughout the collection. I’m going to read her non-fiction hit, Three Women.

Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, Viking 2021

I’m probably the only person in the world who didn’t get satisfaction out of A Gentleman in Moscow. But Lincoln Highway is a road story that grabbed me and didn’t let go. I loved the characters, and the unexpected plot twists.

As a born and bread Midwesterner, I was familiar with the settings. As a lover of New York and environs, the trip took me to places reminiscent of my travels. Altogether a satisfying read.

Do you only read newly released books, or do you go back to older publications? What was your last read that you ordered through your local library? Was it a new or older release? Did you check the year it was published?

Melissa Gorga’s White U Wire Bodysuit on Instagram

Real Housewives of New Jersey Instagram Fashion 2022

Melissa Gorga looks amazing in her white U wire bodysuit (which we think would look great styled under a blazer too for fall!) here on Instagram. And thankfully it’s still in stock and linked to shop down below so U too can look as hot as Melissa. ‎‍

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Good American Bodysuit in White or Black

Click Here For Additional Stock

And Here For More Stock

Click Here to Shop it at Envy

Photo & Info: @MelissaGorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s White U Wire Bodysuit

Must you be pushy to succeed as a woman over 60?

Books and articles on becoming successful often emphasize personality over character. They urge natural introverts to become more like extroverts. Au contraire!

Former Wall Street lawyer Susan Cain defends introverts like herself in her best-selling, widely enthusiastically reviewed book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking.

Introverts make up nearly half the population and a large percentage are women. So what is the power women with an introvert personality have?

What Is the Difference Between an Extrovert and Introvert?

Children who are more sensitive than average to their surroundings, parents, and peers tend to become introverts as adults. They seek quiet rather than noise, calm rather than activity. They like being alone. Such sensitive children become more considerate and agreeable than most. They often prefer individual achievement to group endeavors.

Introverts are unusually sensitive and empathetic. They speak more softly and like to be spoken to softly. They laugh more than do extroverts, yet prefer more serious topics. Introverts are more sensitive to loss, being cautious and risk-averse. They tend to avoid controversy.

Extroverts are more attuned to gain and risk-seeking. Extroverts enjoy competition and sometimes even relish controversy. Stereotypically, they are viewed as leaders. Acting like an extrovert, including when socializing, is an effort for introverts, but many can do it, sometimes convincingly.

Which type are you? You can investigate by taking the widely-used Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Most people are not “purely” one type or the other, instead lying somewhere between the extremes.

How Introverts Operate at Work and Play

Working alone or in small groups, introverts succeed by giving greater thought to their endeavors. They work diligently, and use their natural tendency to be empathetic to form close relationships with a few others.

Steve Wozniak who was Steve Jobs’ co-developer of the Apple Computer, much preferred working out problems on his own rather than in a group setting. This is true of many successful inventors and artists.

Although those who speak fluently and forcefully are stereotypically perceived as having greater leadership ability and as being brighter than their quieter peers, neither of these seem to be true.

At work, action-oriented extroverts are reward-sensitive, more likely to leap before they look. Introverts are loss-sensitive and tend to look before they leap. Wall Street extrovert bulls may fuel rising markets. Introvert bears play it safe, lessening their losses on the downturns.

At play, introverts prefer socializing with fewer people in quieter and more intimate settings than do their more outgoing, extrovert friends. A “mixed” introvert-extrovert couple will need to recognize this and seek settings and events that are compromises. Alternatively, they can decide to create schedules that alternate between their preferred styles.

Do Extroverts Talk too Much?

In Susan Cain’s book she talks about the “power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking.” She talks about how extroverts can often hog a conversation, making introverts hardly heard. Her suggestion is that both should be able to contribute and that conversation should be a form of exchange, a trade.

Introverts are generally good listeners since they are not engrossed in framing what they will say next. Whether in school or at work, such quiet ones need to have their opinions solicited, preferably with plenty of advance notice. They don’t like surprises and may do better by writing out beforehand what they intend to say.

How Introverts Can Thrive in an Extrovert Dominated World

Introverts can flourish in an extrovert-dominated world. By focusing on their talents and natural empathy they can push themselves to be more outgoing. They can add value by recognizing their talents and developing techniques to create confidence alongside their extrovert colleagues. As Nobel physicist Stephen Hawking noted, “Quiet people have the loudest minds.”

Are you more an introvert or extrovert? In which situations, in solitude or in a group, do you do your best work? How have you adapted your style on occasion? Please join the conversation.

Some folks in the small community where I reside have referred to me as a “city girl” though I’m not from a large hometown. I confess to enjoying shopping, eating out, movies, nice hotels and other conveniences. I also love the country, hiking, waterfalls, stunning views, and nature in general.

No doubt I was intrigued when my significant other (“SO”) told me about his dream to purchase a recreational vehicle (“RV”) and spend time traveling across the USA during retirement. The prospect of visiting national parks, state parks and other natural areas of interest appealed to me.

I Envisioned Us Exploring the Landscapes Photographed by Ansel Adams

Then came anxious thoughts of dramatic scenarios, like experiencing brake failure and becoming airborne after failure to navigate a curve while descending from a steep mountain pass. I also felt anxiety around SO’s distracted driving habits (like taking his eyes off the road to view points of interest) since he would be behind the wheel of a long, large RV with a tow vehicle (known as a “toad”) attached.

Then there were practical matters such as the purchase price and other costs attributable to owning, operating, and maintaining an RV. Not to mention the current trend in high fuel prices, all of which contribute to a total price tag that could otherwise fund many years of nice vacations, both foreign and domestic. Still, none of it fazed SO in pursing the RV Dream.

Fast Forward to July of 2022

We are cruising down U.S. Route 87 about to cross the border from Texas into New Mexico. Our destination is Creede, Colorado, where good friends await our arrival. We are towing a Ford F250 pick-up truck behind a 45-foot-long 2000-model Prevost Liberty coach with a mid-century inspired interior update.  

My legs are propped on the leg rest of the fancy new reclining passenger seat installed as part of the interior refresh. The seat is equipped with multiple bells and whistles including several massage modes. I find myself enjoying the view from the big windshield and panoramic windows that grace each side of the bus. I’m also able to move about the coach, grab a snack, and use the restroom whenever I like. Sweet.

After Two Days on The Road, We Arrive at Our Destination

We pull into a beautiful RV park located next to the Rio Grande River in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. We share a wonderful week with friends, off-roading and exploring the area. Our digs contain all the comforts of home, including two TVs and an internet hotspot that allows us to stay as connected as we choose to. It also allows us to binge-watch Netflix when we retire for the evening.

Overall, this “City Girl” found the RV lifestyle enjoyable. I was also thrilled with the flexibility in packing options since I could take whatever I wanted. No size limits on cosmetic products and no tough decisions on which shoes, jackets or other clothing to bring along. The only drawback is unloading everything when you get home!

It Wasn’t All Sunshine and Roses

There were some unnerving moments like navigating narrow lanes around 635 North in Dallas, Texas. Also, making turns on main streets of small towns with cars parked along both sides of the road proved challenging. SO’s driving had to be precise without the option to back-up the RV with a vehicle in tow.

While en route, we had to locate large parking lots or other convenient open spaces to park the bus when stopping for meals or other reasons. Reserving a space ahead of time was also necessary since most RV parks quickly book the limited pull-through spots available to accommodate a long rig like ours.

Being an older motorcoach, there were a few operational issues despite pre-trip checks. Luckily, SO is good at troubleshooting, and we found some great online forums with helpful advice.

One Final Comment Regarding Space

“Slides” serve to extend and widen key areas of an RV when stationary; areas like the kitchen, living room and bedroom. Our bus doesn’t have any slides, and with the exception of our bathroom area, the walkways are narrow, especially around the bed. Our Border Colley, Max, quickly learned to disappear under the kitchen table to avoid getting stepped on or yelled at when we were afoot in the coach.

Is the RV Lifestyle for You?

The RV lifestyle has a lot to offer, especially for retirees or semi-retirees that like to travel and have plenty of time to spend on the road. Be sure to research the matter thoroughly and choose the size, style and price range of RVs that suit you best. Thinking About Buying an RV When You Retire is a good article to get you started. Also, consider renting before you buy.

The following list contains a few considerations that may be helpful in the decision-making process:

Pros:

• It’s a convenient, relaxed and comfortable way to travel and lodge.
• Ease in packing decisions. Take whatever you like to the extent it fits.
• No standing in long security lines, dealing with cancelled flights or lost luggage.
• The RV community is generally friendly and sociable, thus promoting happiness and longevity.
• You get to see the stuff in-between home and your destinations.
• When not in use, you may be able to host renters, Airbnb style, to help offset your RV and travel costs.

Cons:

• Purchase price and maintenance costs.
• Asset depreciates rapidly.
• Trailer cost, if trailer is needed for tow or other (off-road) vehicles.
• Off-site storage, if needed.
• Although not as expensive as hotels, you still pay to stay (mostly).
• A lot of “together time” if you are traveling with a partner. It can be challenging at times, but still doable for those introverts out there.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, travel is such a worthwhile and enriching experience. This so-called “city girl” looks forward to many years of enjoyable travel adventures, including her next RV experience!

Please join in the conversation. What are some things you love about the RV lifestyle? What insight can you provide to those considering the purchase of an RV? Please share your RV hacks and tips for those of us new to the lifestyle!

The change of season comes with both the good and the bad. Let’s get the bad out of the way first: the end of summer and lazy beach days. But the good is really good. There are major sales across all categories and it’s truly never been a better time to stock up on makeup, skincare and more. Luckily, HSN’s Beauty Hot List sale includes half-off products you’ll use all year round — not just during summer.

Stock up on natural eyeshadow palettes, face masks, trendy lip oils, lip tints, face primer, waterproof eyeliner and so much more, starting at just $12. Plus, the deals are even better when you pay off your purchases in installments. HSN lets you break up your purchase over up to five smaller payments. It’s time to splurge — at a discount. You only have until Friday so get to shopping.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. HSN is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

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MAC Shot of Color Lip Oil Trio – $33 Off

These moisturizing lip oils deliver a surprising amount of color and look great on everyone. And at this price? You can’t go wrong.

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Clinique All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Scrub – $15 Off

Banish breakouts and rough texture with this dual-action face mask and scrub. It helps removes excess oil with bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay for an intense clean in five minutes.

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Benefit Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Tint 3-Piece Set with Bag – $32 Off

Speaking of lip tint, Benefit’s iconic lip-and-cheek color is included in the sale, along with two other pretty shades. Get them all with a cute makeup bag for cheaper than ever.

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Tan-Luxe Face & Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops – $70.50 Off

Fans of self-tanner go crazy for these easy-to-use drops that deliver a natural-looking glow all year round. Choose from light/medium or medium/dark and get hydrated skin plus a tan in just 2-4 hours.

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Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eye Shadow Palette – $19.60 Off

TikTokers love this natural glam palette — for good reason. You can create an unlimited amount of eyeshadow looks with warm light and deep shades in both shimmer and matte finishes.

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Too Faced Primer Set – $24 Off

Ensure your makeup — both face and eye — stay on all day long with this primer set. The Primed & Poreless Face Primer helps reduce the look of pores, while the Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eye Shadow Primer makes sure your hard work doesn’t move all night.

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Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner – $14 Off

Choose from six shades of this waterproof eyeliner or mix and match the colors for a trendy fall makeup look.