We love memoirs over here at Chick Lit is not Dead, especially the ones that read like good fiction. You know, when you have to keep stopping and reminding yourself that these things ACTUALLY HAPPENED to the author!
When Liz picked up Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz in Target a few weeks ago, she was immediately drawn to Julie’s amazing story. Because let’s face it ladies-there’s a part of us that loves to read about other people’s dirty laundry!
Julie’s life changed forever when her husband collapsed in her kitchen and died in her arms, leaving her a single mother in a small town. But that was only the beginning-she soon began to find out that he had hidden another life from her. Her narrative is honest and insightful, her storytelling pitch perfect. And as we did many times, you’ll wonder what the hell you’d do if it had happened to you. You’ll cheer for Julie as she begins to pick up the pieces of her broken life and rebuild.
But don’t just take out word for it-Perfection quickly became a NYT bestseller upon it’s release. AND Oprah thought Julie’s story was so compelling that she invited her to be a guest! In fact, Julie’s episode is re-airing this Friday, July 30th. Make sure to set your Tivo! Or you can find it here.
And we’re so lucky that she’s sharing not five, but EIGHT things we didn’t know about her. And we were excited to discover that, like us, she has more books than she knows what to do with. And wait until you find out at what age she got her drivers license!
We also have three SIGNED copies to give away to our fabulouso readers. You know what to do-just leave a comment and we’ll select the winners randomly this Friday evening.
CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS: 8 THINGS LIZ & LISA DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT…JULIE METZ
1. I move houses more than I’d like…and every time I do…like now…I wish I didn’t own quite so many books. But once they are unpacked it’s like seeing old friends again.
2. I never really had a granny, but my old kitty Sweetie Pie kind of takes her place. She’s a bit dottery but absolutely lovable, and still likes to show up for meals, ours most of all and always has something to say.
3. A lot of readers ask me when someone will make Perfection into a movie…the answer is, soon. I just sold the film option, so stay tuned!
4. I like telling my daughter a story about college, how we stole tea trays from the dorm kitchen one winter evening, and went sledding. Some apricot brandy was involved.
5. As a young woman I loved traveling alone and was surprisingly fearless. I still remember so many of the people I met on European trains and the chocolate covered cookies we shared—cheap and filling.
6. I finally quit smoking at 34…it took at least ten tries.
7. I learned to drive late, at 27. I have been to a hypnotist on two occasions hoping to overcome my fear of city driving.
8. I have a bit of a green thumb that always surprises me. I think it’s because I talk to the plants. My mom always said it worked, so I have continued the tradition.
Thanks Julie! xoxo, Liz & Lisa
To read more about Julie, head on over to her Facebook page or find her on Twitter.
Add a Comment
Sounds very intriguing…..hope I win! I’ll be tuning in to Oprah later today to check it out more!!
Love finding new books to read, Thanks!!
Sounds inspiring , cant wait to see Juile talk about her story on Oprah!
Will definitely be watching Oprah. This is on my must-read list, please count me in. I would love to win a copy :)
I have a thing for memoirs already, and a memoir that kind of reads like fiction? I’m sold!
Sounds like a very intriguing book – I’d love to win it!
Oprah and a movie option – nice!!
def would love to have this book..ohh i can see my mount tbr piling up and the look on my husband’s eyes
I’ve been dying to read this for awhile. It’s one of those that I keep meaning to buy, but just never have. Would love to win this :)
Wow. Just, wow. This sounds like a must read story. So tragic that it is inspirational without even trying.
Lisa, it’s really good! And her Oprah episode air tomorrow-so don’t forget! xo
Hi Keri, thanks for the comment!
Addie, I know, me too!
Tiffany, me too! I need to set my Tivo!
Jonita, it really does! I kept reminding myself it wasn’t!
Lisa, good luck!
LeDawn, I know, right?
Ella, tell me about it! In the same boat over here!
Great book!
Stephanie, exactly! Thanks for the comment!
Wow – now this is someone with a story of strength. And a fellow cat lover to boot!
DVR is set! Sounds like a great book.
I have been reading a ton of memoirs lately – I love reading about people’s lives – and this one keeps popping up as a must read. I would love to win a copy!
I am always amazed at how people handle tragedy…this sounds like a must read! Thanks!!!
Kelly, I know,right? So good!
Kimmi, I agree!
mstamper, It really is! Thanks for the comment!
Leah, you will love it! Thanks for the comment!
Jennifer A, me too. Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction!
Rachel, good luck! xo
Sounds intriguing!
Oh this book has been on my wishlist for awhile! Can’t wait to read it and hope to win it!! Thanks girls!
Sounds good! I haven’t read a good memior in a while, and this one sounds great!!
She sounds like an amazing woman. I’d love to read her book.
Thanks!
Reading this blurb makes me want to read this book! Another book added to the “to-read” list!
Love that the book is already being turn into a movie! It must be fantastic.
I saw her on Oprah when it first aired. What a horrible thing to happen! Can’t wait to hear more about her story!
I am intrigued and would love to win & read this book! Memoirs intrigue me anyway!
You guys find the most intriguing books. I’m so glad I found this website as it’s now become part of my morning routine!
i love to read how different people deal with things in their lives…would like to hear how she came through such a situation. pick me to win this book!
Love this review and probably will watch the Oprah dealio online since I can’t wait till tomorrow!!!! You gals always have the best stuff on chicklitisnotdead! Thanks!
Can’t wait to read it–just added it to my list. I’m always amazed when someone can lead a double life secretly. That must be an exhausting feat.
I will definatly be tivoing Oprah tomorrow! I have heard about the book and been dying to read it! Would definatly love to win it!
I’ve been wanting to read this book! I would love to win a copy – but more importantly it reminded me that it’s on my list and I’ll have to pick it up soon. :-)
This sounds really good. I love finding good reads at Target!
Excited to have a new book to take on vacation
This looks soooo good! I will definitely be DVR’ing Oprah and keeping an eye out for the movie also! NICE!!!
My DVR is set ! The book sounds like a real page turner. Can’t wait to read it.
This sounds intriguing. Can’t wait to read it!
Wow, sounds like she’s been through a lot. Good for Julie coming through it and landing on Oprah.
wow– reminds me of “my husband’s sweethearts.” i love the kind of books that remind us that we can put our lives back together no matter what.
I learned to drive at 22 – but that was because I never had money for a car, so I thought “why bother?”
Adding this book to my TBR pile!! Can’t wait to check it out!
JenP, it is! xo
Chasity, you’ll love it!
Jen R, it’s really good, a page turner for sure!
Melissa, Good luck!
Jean, I know, a blurb is worth a thousand words, right?
Kate, I think it will make a great movie!
Stepahnie, I can’t wait to see the Oprah!
Nina, me too! I love them!
Tenna, we’re so happy you found us!! xoxo
Robyn, Good luck!
Steph, you’re so sweet! Big kisses and hugs to you! xo
Angie, seriously! I barely have time for my own life!
Jenn B, Good luck to you!
BBBG, It’s worth waiting for, I loved it!
Sarah, I know, I can never resist the book section at Target!
Casey, this would be a perfect vacay read!
Susan, It is soooo good- you will love it!
Mary, you’ll love it! xo
Melissa, you won’t be able to put it down!
Colleen, Totally! Oprah is bigtime.
Jennifer O, I agree, I think that’s one of the reasons I loved PERFECTION so much.
Thank you for sharing! I hadn’t heard about Julie or her book. I’ll be sure to listen to the rebroadcast of Oprah on my drive home, thank goodness for Oprah radio!!
a fabulous posting…
thanks for the chance to read this book…
:)
Sounds like the just the book I’ve been looking for. I love memoirs (no matter how crazy my friends think it is!)
So happy I have found this site
Are beauty and writing ability somehow linked? All the authors you feature are gorgeous! Not fair! Oh well, I can walk and chew gum at the same time, so who am I to complain? ( – :
Her book sounds intriguing. I’m ready to read some chick lit that is in that vein. Thank for introducing another great author. Would someone please donate some of their vacation time so that I can whole up somewhere on the beach and read all of these books? ( – :
I want to read this one!
I too will add this book to my list. It sounds fascinating – and I want to read it before the movie comes out.
Oprah radio? So cool! xo
Karenk, Good luck! xo
Rebecca F, We’re so glad you’re here! =)
Kren, I know, right? I have so many books on my tbr list that it’s ridiculous. And I know, they are all so pretty!
Elaine, you’ll love it!
Rickie, thanks for the comment! xo
I can’t wait to read the book. Memoirs tend to hit closest to home. I cherish one’s ability to share such personal stories. I, too, after many failed attempts, have quit smoking (at the age of 37).
Thanks for sharing. My read pile is seriously becoming huge… I can’t keep up!! Anyhow, Julie’s book looks awesome. I too have a fear of city driving, which is why i live in the middle of nowhere and am afraid to move!!
I’d love to win this book… and if i don’t- it will be a great excuse to make yet another trip to target.
This book was already on my wish list, so glad to see you guys spotlight it! Thanks for an awesome site!
This book sounds wonderful! My mom actually didn’t learn to drive until she was in her twenties either. She lived in Miami and was scared to learn, so with the reliable public transportation she just didn’t learn until she got married and moved to a more suburban community. I think it really isn’t a necessary skill to have if you live in a large city, but good to know either way :).
This sounds like a fab! Thanks for the chance to read it:)
I love memoirs that “read like good fiction”. This one is definitely now on my list!
I love finding out I have something in common with someone “famous” I also had a huge fear of driving and living in N.Y.C. I really didn’t have to – but when I was 28 my husband and I moved to San Diego and I had to just get over my fear of driving – there is on other way to get around here. Glad to know it takes other people just as long to things that come so easily and naturally to other people.
This book like really interesting I would love to have the opportunity to read it.
I already have this book on my kindle wish list. I am looking forward to reading it.I would welcome a signed copy ANY DAY!!!!
This one sounds really good! Hope I win!
definately going to add to my summer reading list! thanks for giving us the chance to win!!
Congrats to the three winner of Julie Metz’s PERFECTION! (rebfost@msn.com, pita428@msn.com & tenna.rasmussen@gmail.com) And a huge thank you to everyone who commented! xoxo, L&L
Just found your blog! Love it! Hoping to win this great book. Thx.
So happy to be here !
can’t wait to dive into this one.
Thanks so much !!!
Just joined your blog, via Sarah Green
Cant wait to start reading your books!
Thank you so much!! I absolutly LOVE your website! Can’t wait to start this book!