If you agree with me that menopause bites, then it may not
be too much of a stretch to go from menopause to Many Paws. Woof.
Don’t hate me because I love puns. 
Many Paws is a new
“altered book” by writer and artist, Susan DeGarmo. She loves puns, too. From
the flaming red-orange cover to the detachable last page of purple irises that
can be converted to a hot flash fan, DeGarmo acknowledges the pitfalls that
many of us experience during “the change.”
Many Paws is
Susan’s adroit way of disguising the subject of the book, since “no southern
lady is going to have a book laying round that
says ‘Menopause.’”
However, if you leave the book on your coffee table, the
ladies from church may be startled to flip open the pop-up book and see artwork of a reclining female nude, covered in strategic places with long-eared white “hares,” since “Now gray
hairs are everywhere!”
But, honestly, church ladies aren’t as easily shocked as
they used to be. Especially if they are struggling with changes of their own.
What it is: Many Paws, Susan DeGarmo's altered book from Meaux Books that is customizable. You can put your own
photos, or those of a loved one, over the heads of some of the figures in the
book. If you give the book to a friend, for example, you can put her face in the book.
How it came to be: DeGarmo was teaching a class about making
altered books while having a hot flash, and Voila! Many Paws came to be.
What makes it unique: It’s a pop-up book for adults! It has
moving parts! It has (tasteful) nudity! It socks menopause a big one in the
kisser!
Conclusion: A great gift book for anyone in or approaching menopause. Even
those women who are having an "easier" time with the change will appreciate the
humor and pathos. The art work is fun and inspiring!
Make a comment below to be entered in a raffle for a free
copy of Many Paws. One entry per
person, please.
http://www.manypawsforwomen.com/
http://www.manypawsforwomen.com/
Disclosure: I was provided copies of the books, but the
opinions expressed are my own.
