Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Dear Prudence

Liberating Lessons from Slate.com's Beloved Advice Column

ebook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available

Based on the long-running Slate advice column, a collection of the most eye-opening, illuminating, and provocative installments during Daniel M. Lavery's tenure as the titular Prudence.

Every week, millions of readers visit Slate for the irresistible "Dear Prudence," an advice column that promises a healthy dose of reality and good humor alongside its indispensable suggestions and life lessons. The ever-hilarious and insightful Danny Lavery was one of "Dear Prudence"'s most beloved columnists, and he recounts his time as Prudie in this side-splitting, candid collection—complete with new commentary and exclusive stories—drawing out the broader themes of his informative, unfailingly illuminating guidance.

From guilt and blame ("Am I in the Wrong Here?") to downright confusion ("Maybe This Is All a Misunderstanding"), from recently discovered wrenches-in-the-machine ("The Other Shoe Just Dropped") to the travails of parenthood ("My Kids Are Growing Up. Can Someone Please Stop This?"), Dear Prudence isn't afraid to go the extra mile in its search for the much-needed corrective, gentle reminder, or tough love. This is the go-to guide for anyone who's just trying to figure it all out—with a helpful nudge.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • Booklist

      February 15, 2023
      Slate's advice-giving Prudence fields questions about relationships, work dilemmas, social faux pas, and just about everything else. Lavery (Something That May Shock and Discredit You, 2020) was the fourth Prudence, beginning in 2015 and passing the torch in 2021. Under his tenure, Prudie's advice was modern and informed but presented with enough of the gentility and clever turns of phrase of the classic advice-givers to endear the column to a wide readership. Collected here are some of his favorite letters with notes on those that kept him up at night, those he wished he'd answered differently, and those he still hopes had happy endings. The collection is organized thematically, and Lavery winds his own life experience through the commentary, including his estrangement from his family and his gender transition. As he transitioned mid-tenure, many questions involve transitioning or the LGBTQ+ community. Across the board, this retrospective is entertaining and comforting. Answers for those hurting are affirming, gentle, and knowledgeable, but for those on the other side, his wit is on full display and his biting responses satisfyingly pull no punches.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Library Journal

      June 10, 2024

      Lavery (Something That May Shock and Discredit You) presents an annotated collection of memorable, interesting, and sometimes offbeat letters from his six-year tenure as Slate's advice columnist, "Dear Prudence." Lavery describes the appeal of "Dear Prudence" as "speculative conflict resolution"--the ability to be a fly on the wall observing someone else's problem rather than having to deal with the problem. Over the course of 12 topically arranged chapters, Lavery shares everything from the quotidian (partners with differing feelings about marriage or children; workplace woes) to the jaw-dropping (someone who wants to steal some of her ex-boyfriend's ashes from his family as part of her grieving process). Much of the advice boils down to communication, whether it's making one's needs known, sharing a perspective, or being honest instead of being a people-pleaser, and Lavery's straightforward, respectful dispensing of advice often comes with a dose of dry humor. Some of the most insightful letters regard issues with which Lavery has extensive personal experience--he dispenses particularly sage advice regarding gender transition and family estrangement. VERDICT Fans of "Dear Prudence" (or advice columns in general) will appreciate this well-curated retrospective, which is elevated by Lavery's thoughtful annotations, reminiscences, and insights.--Nanette Donohue

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Loading