Sunday, June 05, 2011

BEST KEPT SECRET by Amy Hatvany

WINNER: LESLIE B83!
Email me at: stephanieelliot@gmail.com to claim your book.





Author: Amy Hatvany

It’s time for June’s Blast-O-Books and I want to kick it off with one of the best and most thought-provoking books I’ve read in a really long time. Best Kept Secret by Amy Hatvany was heart-breaking and uplifting all at the same time. At the center of this novel is Cadence, a single-mom who is trying the best that she can to get through her days raising a whirlwind of a happy little boy and working in freelance writing. When life becomes more and more difficult, and she starts suffering from insomnia, and work is not coming for her, a glass of wine at night helps her to sleep. That glass of wine becomes two and three, which then turns into a couple of bottles a night. Within a year, she is a full-blown alcoholic on the verge of losing the most important thing in her life: her son Charlie.

I was drawn to this book for so many reasons. As a mom to three children very close in age, I know what it’s like to need something to calm the nerves when you’re at your wit’s end, when you think you might blow a gasket over spilled milk. I also discovered that two of my absolute favorite authors, Emily Giffin and Sarah Pekkanen have already read, loved and blurbed Best Kept Secret. And of course, there have been times in my own life that I have blogged about being unable to care for my own children because I’ve been too hung over. So this book hit home for me, and I’m very confident that Best Kept Secret will unearth feelings in every single woman who’s ever had a sip of wine, or felt like she’s not doing the best job at motherhood, or maybe has been unsure about everything in life she thought she had a handle on.

Here is a Q&A I did with Amy, which was very kind of her to take the time seeing as her book debuts on Tuesday! Thanks Amy!

Me: I'm soaring through Best Kept Secret, and if I didn't have 3 kids and a busy schedule with them, I would have cleared my days and finished it by now. I am in love with little Charlie and my heart breaks for Cadence, who has what I can see, was a slow-growing yet serious drinking problem. What I love about this book is that I think all mothers of young children can see a part of themselves in Cadence, whether they find themselves craving a glass of wine, a Xanax, or even needing to satiate their nerves with a pile of carbohydrates. What do you think?

Amy: You are very sweet! I’m happy you’ve been drawn into the story, and I think you’re absolutely right. My hope in writing the book was that women might see the similarities they share with Cadence, rather than the differences, you know? Because I think it’s pretty easy and automatic to look at a mother with a drinking problem and say, “oh, I’d never do that; I’d never be her.” But I don’t know a mother out there who doesn’t look for some kind of escape from the constant emotional, mental, and physical demands of caring for children - toddlers, especially! Whether it’s in a glass of wine, a carton of ice cream, or online shopping - the indulgence is motivated by the same need - to soothe inner turmoil. I hoped that in creating a character who readers can relate to on many different levels, I might also create a better understanding and sense of empathy for how Cadence ends up with a drinking problem, and how much vicious judgment and stigma she had to fight against in order to get well.

Me:  What inspired Best Kept Secret? How much of the book was drawn from real life experience?

Amy: While the plot and characters are fiction, I was inspired to write the book based on my own experiences of being a mother and an alcoholic. The emotional experiences Cadence has are much like what I went through - the guilt, the shame, the denial and disbelief that I couldn’t just figure out a way to stop drinking on my own. I’d had a lot of success in my life before that point, and I didn’t understand how in the world I couldn’t just put an end to a behavior that was so obviously destroying me.


I am very much like Cadence in that I maintained a very happy, confident exterior for the rest of the world to see, but subconsciously, I struggled with feelings of loneliness and fear. I was such a convincing actress, though, I couldn’t articulate or maybe wasn’t even aware of those feelings. I had gone through a terrible divorce, and like Cadence, developed a bad case of insomnia. I never really drank much before that point, so that first glass of wine relaxed me and seemed like an easy solution to my sleeping issues. Of course, I didn’t understand how easily I’d build a physical tolerance to alcohol, and how dependent I’d become on the mental and emotional “escape” my nightly big-ass goblet of wine gave me from the pressure of single motherhood. Eventually, I, too, came to a point where I had a stare down with a bottle of pills, unsure if I really wanted to continue living, but the thought of my children growing up without me was what led me to finally ask for help. I’ve been sober almost six years, and I know it sounds strange to say, I feel like my spiral into drinking was one of the best things that could have happened for me. It woke me up. And it gave me the inspiration to write the book and let other women know they are not alone in this kind of struggle.

Me: What was the hardest part about writing Best Kept Secret? Easiest?

Amy: The hardest part was definitely revisiting the shame and guilt of what it is like to drink in front of a child. The thought of alcohol really does make me ill, now, so having to go back to the time when I was drinking every day and remembering what it felt like - the physical sensations, and then the emotional backlash that always immediately followed - was extremely difficult.


I think the easiest part was writing the scenes with Cadence and Charlie, showing how they were connected, how much she adores him, and he loves and needs her. I have an incredible relationship with my children, and all I had to do was pull that feeling up, and those scenes just kind of appeared on the page. (Plus, my son actually did call them “blueberry stones” instead of “blueberry scones”!) My life with my children is filled with so many tender, wonderful moments, and getting to infuse Cadence and Charlie’s relationship with those kinds of emotions was my favorite aspect of writing the story.

Me: You've written two previous books (The Language of Sisters and The Kind of Love That Saves You) under another name, Amy Yurk, and I can’t wait to read those two books! I also noticed you focus on really hard topics in your novels - mental retardation, rape, death, alcoholism, divorce, single parenthood. Yet it seems that there are hopeful messages within. Why do you think you tackle the tough stuff?

Amy: Ha! Perhaps I’m a masochist? (Kidding!!) That’s a great question, actually. And it may sound kind of cheesy to say, but I really do believe that all the growth I’ve ever experienced in my life has been rooted in the tough things I’ve gone through, so that’s what interests me. How characters develop as a result of a significant event - especially how we, as women in our culture, are faced with so many challenges and what we do to rise up and face them every day. Anne Lamott says, “There’s no point in writing hopeless novels. We all know we’re going to die; what’s important is the kind of men and women we are in the face of this," and I think that’s why I write the books I do. How we tackle what life throws our way is what defines who we are - and exploring those kinds of journeys is the work that brings me joy; finding a way to see hope in the darkest of circumstances is such a powerful quality for characters to discover within themselves.


I also think that writing about the tough stuff helps readers (and me!) feel maybe a little less alone in whatever we struggle with. To read something and feel, “Oh, I’m not the only person to ever have those thoughts/feelings,” brings about a sense of connection that I cherish when I read other authors’ works. And that’s the fundamental reason I write - to connect.

Me: When you have time to read, who are your favorite authors to read?

Amy: Oh, there are too many to list! But I never miss anything by Jennifer Weiner, Emily Giffin, or Elizabeth Berg. I also love Joyce Maynard, Elizabeth Strout, T. Greenwood, Sarah Pekkanen…the list goes on and on! I read mostly commercial and literary women’s fiction, though Laura Hillenbrand’s UNBROKEN was the last non-fiction piece I dove into. She is a phenomenal woman, and I hugely admire her work.

Me: You've got two more books coming -- what are they about?

Amy: Yes! OUTSIDE THE LINES is due out in February, 2012, and tells the story of a woman searching for her homeless and mentally ill father, whom she has been estranged from for twenty years. It’s told in alternating viewpoints of both the daughter and father, past and present, which was a departure for me as a writer and I am very pleased with how it turned out.

The one I’m currently working on is as yet unnamed. It explores what happens when a woman is suddenly and unexpectedly thrust into the role of full-time mother and is forced to confront the complicated reasons behind her previously hard-fast decision to remain childless.

Me: Thanks Amy for sharing your amazing novel and your life with us! And I can’t wait to read your next novels!

To enter to win Best Kept Secret, share one of your best kept secrets – it can be funny – you don’t have to make it serious in order for you to enter to win the book! One of my best kept secrets is that when my husband is out of town, I will keep the house a total mess until like an hour before he is supposed to be home, then we all rush around to whip the house into shape. I’m like the mom who is really the babysitter – let the kids stay up late, we eat junk food, watch bad TV, go out for ice cream and pizza all of the time! Then when Dad gets home from being out of town, it’s time to be the real mom again!

What’s your best kept secret?

If you're new here, check out the rules and other stuff for the June Blast-O-Books there under that highlighted link back there, or feel free to leave me a comment always and I'll answer it in the thread, or email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. It is always at my discretion to change things up, and because of some regulations, I guess I must say that the books I review are given to me by either the authors or publishers or publicists, and I am never paid for my reviews, and they are my own personal reviews, and you know what, because I'm here telling you this anyway, I will also tell you that I never review a book I don't like, because you know what, why waste my time, life is too short to read a crappy book! There. There's my new mantra!

PeaCe uP!

109 comments:

Dolly said...

O you are so sneaky, getting this posted while I was sleeping; I've been watching & waiting for your first Blast O-Book interview!!!

Secret? Hmmmm.... Probably how badly my husband treated me. I cared for him while he was dying and that in itself isolated me from nearly everyone because I had no *time*, but because of medication and dementia he was often abusive and cruel, and I was embarrassed and ashamed to let my family know this. (Yeah, it will go into my book, and I totally understand what Amy said about personal growth being rooted in what one has gone through.)

Anonymous said...

My best kept secret is that I want to move out of Chicago. The weather here is terrible. I don't tell anyone that I want to move somewhere else because this is where my entire family lives. We will never move away from everyone.

-Donna W.

Brantly's Mom said...

My best kept secret is the hidden chocolate I have that my son or husband don't know about :)

Logan Collins said...

I absolutely love your best kept secret! What a fun mom you are! My best kept secret is I failed my last statistics class in graduate school and did not graduate on time. I found out less than 24 hours from graduation so I didn't tell many people that I didn't graduate. BUT last Friday I actually did finish it. So all's well that ends well :)

Ally said...

I think it's just some of my frustrations as a mother. I stay at home, but don't always love it (or even want to). I love my kids, but some days the thought of being with them makes me insane.
Ally N

Laura Kay said...

Well if I told you it wouldn't be my best kept secret, now would it? ;)

How about I just tell you a secret? I secretly hate when other women tell me how they couldn't be a sahm 'cause they crave the social to much...drives me nuts. As if I don't. I crave it too, I'll talk to anyone...stranger who comes knocking on my door beware I will talk to you all day if you let me! lol. I'm so sick of barney, dora, elmo--I hate the songs in my head! My husband gets home and wants to talk about his day and I sit and think how wonderful it would be to talk to real grown-ups when ever you wanted. I almost never have Laura time and I miss her, oh how I miss Laura. So that is one of my secrets. I don't want to hear how people can't do it. I'm very interested in this book, because I'm not a drinker but I'm an eater. I have put my little kids in the car (I have 4 total ranging 20, 14, 4, 2) and cracked open a diet coke and a chocolate bar thinking take me away for just a few mins take the edge off the stress I'm feeling having just finished grocery shopping with screaming kids. And when mine are good and some other women is struggling with a screaming kid I want to hug her and say it's ok your not along.

Emma S. said...

My best kept secret? Hm...
Everyone in my family has been telling me for years I need to write a book or keep a blog. While I haven't written a book yet, I have been keeping a blog for two months and no one in my family knows about it.

equinn726 said...

My best kept secret - when I get stressed out and overwehlmed, I CRY. I go into a room, lock the door and all out SOB. Maybe happens once a year or once every other year, but it's therapeutic for me and I feel a ton better afterwards. This book sounds like a great read - thanks so much for doing these contests, it's really fun to learn about all of the great books out there :)

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

This book really speaks to me ~ I've been through those days and through the mercy of God and self-control can enjoy a drink in moderation; but I was probably teetering on the brink there for a while when I got divorced and was left with 3 young kids.
My BKS would probably be that when my husband is out of town, like you MM, we have movie marathons, sleep overs, eat ice cream before dinner and in general PARTY!! Kids and I love it and we always right the ship just before he walks in the door. :)
Thanks MM!!

Tiffany Drew said...

My best kept secret is that I really hate my best friend's fiance. He is a worthless drunk and she can do so much better. I didn't say anything when she got engaged because I thought for sure it wasn't going to last. But now she is having his baby and it is too late for me to say anything. I fear she is ruining her life :(

KariB said...

My best kept secret? It would be that I'm not the super easy going, relaxed mom that everyone thinks I am-my kids know I'm a yeller, & I do it way more than I should.

jdstec said...

I HAVE had best kept secrets...until I tell someone. I guess my WORST kept secret is that I have a hard time keeping (my own) secrets.

Lindsay Elizabeth said...

My best kept secret? I'd kind of like to move to Ireland.... but shh don't tell my mom.

Kimmi said...

I don't wash my hair every day. But I do shave my legs!

CAnative said...

With this crappy economy we are on a VERY tight budget. We take our lunches to work...no eating out. But on occasion I will stop at a fast food chain for the dollar menu.

Nicole

Krystal said...

My BKS would probably have to be that my husband is very anti letting our son sleep in our bed. However, anytime he works late at work, I'll bring our son to bed with me...my husband will move him back to his bed and in the morning say, "Did you know Avery came into our room last night?"! :)
kndyer

Lynn said...

My best kept secret? That's just for me...another secret is that I sneak junk food (fast food, candy, etc.) when my boyfriend's not around and then I only make healthy food at home. :)

Anonymous said...

My best kept secret is that I can't stand my sister in law! She was lingering on the fringe of my brother's friends forever- he dated and was in love with HER best friend. After a few serious and damaging heartbreaks, there she was again. I truly feel my brother settled thinking he wouldn't find anyone. Wow, that felt good to share- I could never say anything to my family.
JenFee 9476

BRN2SHOP9 said...

My secret is that I have a blog.

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Philadelphia said...

Hope this isn't too late.... My best kept secret is that I pretty bad a spelling, however everyone I know thinks I'm great at it... Spell-check!

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

It is till such a well kept secret I wo't say it here!

absolutahnie said...

my BKS is that i live with my boyfriend who is my company's biggest client and no one at work knows that we're together. we've been a couple for nearly 4 years, we bought our house two years ago this month and all of this has been done under the radar!

Unknown said...

I can't tell you... that's why it's a secret! haha! I really would have to think hard about this one. The best I can come up with is wanting out of my current job and into a job I love. I am thankful for my job, its not bad, its just not what I would LOVE to be doing. Great interview!!

cozyreadertiff
http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com

IandSsmom said...

Well love the new mantra! It is words to live by really! ok my best kept secret is that I'd really love to go back to school to get my RN. Whenever any one asks I act like it isn't a big deal and not a real priority but deep down I'd really love to do it! And I plan to start when my daughter goes to kindergarten! :)

Hally said...

My best kept secret...that I read books out of the kid section at the library. It's not the biggest secret, but it's pretty good.
AND....
Our county library is going to start charging annual fees, so our lame city library will have to do this summer.

Literary Chanteuse said...

My best kept secret is a diary/journal that is well hidden from eyes and I write whatever I feel in it. Lyrics,random thoughts etc. It helps to get out those emotions once in a while.

Margaret (singitm)
singitm@hotmail.com

Jonessa said...

My bid is that when my hubby is out of town I take my self on dates. Whether it's go out shopping or make my self a fabulous dinner, I do it for me.

Oh yeah, and I want to open a bakery!

MonaLisa said...

My best kept secret is that every Saturday when my husband is spending the day with his friends in stead of doing something around the house or spending with me (which I used to let bother me) I now look forward to as a time to forget housework and all but basic needs for me and the kids. He thinks it is still an issue with me, but I figure if he is going to goof off for one whole day per week then I deserve the same time off. When you are a stay at home mom you can't leave the work and stress at the office it's always there. I realized that it's ok to let things go for a day and as long as the kids are fed and safe then the day is good. The rest of the day is mine to decompress.

Melissa said...

sounds like an amazing book! count me in!
my bks...my husband and i keep a list of all the crazy things we find funny. we've been doing this ever since we started dating and haven't stopped. i give him a printout of the list on our wedding anniversary and we look back and laugh at all our inside jokes.

BrendaL71 said...

Hmm, this one is hard. but I'm sure everybody does it...like sneak ice cream behind my daughter's back because I don't want to have any or even from my friends and co-workers because I'm suppose to be on a diet.

Amy Nichole G said...

This was actually the secret I kept for the longest time. I finally told my brother and parents a few years back...When we were younger, my brother had a BB gun and we would go outside to play with it. One day we were outside with one of my brother's friends and I thought I would see if I could hit the neighbor's van. I never heard the BB's hit so I kept shooting. Come to find out, I had been shooting the windshield. My brother in his friend got in trouble for it and had to work all summer to pay for a new windshield.

Amy Nichole G

kathygold9778 said...

My best kept secret...or at least I thought it was until people started calling me on it is that I have this inner 16 year old inside me that wants to still watch tween movies and tv shows even at 32! LOL!

TinaPow said...

I have a deeeeeeep love for Reese pb cups. Each Sunday morning I get Up before my husband and kids and enjoy one with a cup of tea....in the quiet morning hours.

LizzybethDJ said...

My BKS... I hate the small town my husband and I live in. It's his dream to live here and I secretly fear he will never want to move!

val said...

my best kept secret, which i guess only about 2 people know is that i am totally always afraid of losing my job. always.

Anonymous said...

It would be that I'm not the super mom that my mother thinks I am. My little one knows, but she loves me too peices anyway! I expect way too much from a 3 year old... plus I am yeller when she won't listen, & I do it way more than I should.

xx(fingers crossed)
~Nattygirrl

Jenn3128 said...

Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I cry on the way into work. My daughter has a heart condition & I'm afraid one day I'll get that horrifying phone call and not make it home in time.

Kristi said...

My best kept secret is similar to your example. First, I do that too, when my husband is gone I'm a slob until he gets home (except we don't have children so I don't have any accomplices like you). But my actual secret is that when my husband is out of town I let our dogs sleep in the bed with me. My husband absolutely refuses to let them sleep with us BUT when the cat's away, the mice will play...

Thanks for doing another book giveaway, maybe I'll win one this time!

Kristi Hooke

Carly said...

I am afraid of finding a job. There, I said it. I am dying to teach my own classroom again but after being pink slipped so many times I am afraid that I am one of those horrible teachers that people talk about. I haven't told anyone that while I apply for everything I am terrified that I am just no good.

Carly Haynes

Unknown said...

my best kept secret...I'm really a man! ;)

Melissa said...

My secret is that I have to sleep with a pillow on my side because I have a fear of having my back exposed when I sleep. Too scared of getting stabbed or something. If my husband is out of town then I have to sleep with two pillows to block both sides. It makes no sense in my logical mind, but I need those pillows! Melissa Rem

your invisible pixie said...

My best kept secret is that I LOVE cheesey movies! I don't think anyone knows though...except you, now!

Mary said...

My best kept secret is that I do the happy dance when there is no one home but me. I enjoy a night here and there where there is no commotion, just quiet and I probably look a lot like Elaine dancing on Seinfeld.

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My secret is that I am lonely. I am very outgoing on the outside, but not so much on the inside. I am usually so busy with my kids that the neighbors/friends never invite me to the pool, girls night out, etc. and then my feelings get hurt. I am getting divorced and my boys will be gone before too many more years, and I fear I will be all alone. LeslieCG

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

Best Kept Secret? hmmmm, it is so secret, I forgot. Guess I should have told someone so they could help me remember. =)

Super excited for the June Blast-O-Books! Thanks!!

The Poty's said...

I'd have to say how much time I waste on the internet durring the day.

Ready To Be A Momma said...

My best kept secret from people in real life is how much not having a baby kills me every day. I never told any of my family when I had either of my miscarriages. I feel that things like that need to be kept private, which then makes it worse for me to go it alone.
qweska8402

Dani In Chicago said...

I'm still in love with my old boyfriend!

My close friends know this but I pretend that I don't care about him anymore. Sigh.

Dani Patarazzi

Erin T. said...

My best kept secret is my irrational fear of the dark. And subsequently, the "boogie man" under my bed.

Emily said...

my bks is that i will be 30 in november...and i have never had sex. so many of my good friends don't even know that about me.

The Jagow Family said...

My best kept secret as of lately is that I am nervous that we are having a boy (due in 6 weeks and we don't know what we are having). Don't get me wrong, I'm over the moon to be pregnant with our second (since it took a long time to get to this point), but I don't know how to raise a boy (if we have a boy). Our oldest is a girl and is all girlie and I have 5 years worth of girl stuff. Having a boy scares me...but then again so does have a another girl that is full of drama. I'm hoping these are normal feelings. ha! :)

Megan said...

My best kept secret is that I can drink most people under the table :)

leonel said...

Hey - my best kept "secret" is the Green Tea flavored Kit Kats that one can buy at the Japanese Supermarket - which makes me think it is more "healthful" than the regular milk chocolate ones (but probably not, in reality)

leonelescota AT gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

My best kept secret is how badly I've wanted to have another baby but know my husband really doesn't want another one.

Books & Reviews said...

My bks is that I desperately want to have a child but i pretend to be okay with the fact that it will probably never happen because of my infertility.

Amy Hatvany said...

These comments are all so fabulous! I had the best time doing this interview for Stephanie!

And let's see, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't leave a secret, too... Okay, are you ready? I am so nervous about this book release that even though I have been "off" sugar for over 9 months, I hit Dairy Queen on Friday for a Brownie Batter Blizzard and INHALED IT in about ten seconds flat. Totally worth it, and totally made me feel better. Perhaps I need a carbohydrate intervention, now? :)

Thank you all for the interest, and please let me know your thoughts about the book!

Jenna McCarthy said...

My best kept secret is Self-Tanner night. My husband plays basketball on Thursday nights, religiously. Afterward he goes out with the guys and doesn't come home until long after I'm in bed. This is the night I slather myself head-to-toe in stinky self tanner and then put on my grubby, black pajamas (that stuff gets EVERYWHERE). It is too streaky and freaky looking to use when he's around--we've been married a loooooong time but the guy doesn't deserve to have to look at THAT! He's never noticed or mentioned it (and since I only do it once a week it's not like I'm ridiculously George Hamilton-tan or anything). I realize this isn't exactly the axe-murder sort of skeleton in my closet, but I find it hilarious.

Carie Casey said...

My secret is the same as a few others. I'm a sahm and not really the best at it. I try but I too am a yeller and not proud.

Colleen Turner said...

One of my best kept secrets is that I am HORRIBLE with doing laundry! When my husband does it he separates the lights, darks, delicates, etc. and makes sure not to cram too much in one load. He also carefully measures out the detergent, color safe bleach, etc. Me, I reach deep into the laundry baskets and shove whatever I grab into the washer...as much as will fit. Before the clothes go in I just pour some of this, some of that in to clean :). My husband caught me doing this not that long ago and acted horrified...I told him if he didn't like how I did it he could do it himself :).
candc320@gmail.com

Liz said...

my best kept secret is that I spilled a LOT of water on my laptop keyboard. My husband thought that it just started making this police-siren sound when it starts and deciding not to let me type "1" on the right side numbers. He blames Facebook, which he thinks causes viruses, but hasn't made the connection that the remote broke on the very same day...

Kelly said...

I guess my best kept secret is that i'm not okay with being single as i let everyone else think. While i'm enjoying my me time, i get lonely from time to time and am jealous as all my friends are married and having kids.

ludy2288 said...

my secret is that i really want to be a stay at home mom when i have kids someday..and i want it to be soon!

Lizett34 said...

My best kept secret is that I do not like one of my co-workers! I am cordial with her but that is about it. I do not engage her in casual conversation like I do the rest of my co-workers. This woman always has to involve herself in everything which is very annoying. She also always has to make a comment, regardless of the fact that she does not know what we are talking about or that she is wrong!

Tina B. said...

My best kept secret is that I LOVE when my hubby goes out of town for business!! I don't have to worry with making dinner every night..the kids and I eat out the entire time!

Anonymous said...

Best kept secret... I listen to books on tape while I'm working... and might not answer the phone because the book got to a good part.

- Mavericks Fan <3 Dirk 41

faithspage said...

my best kept secret is I AM A NOSEY WOMAN!!!!!!

kyfaithw at aol dot com

A.C. Morris said...

This book sounds great! I'm definitely going to add it to my list. My best kept secret? Hmmm... I guess it would be just how antisocial I really am. I would much rather sit at home on the couch with my husband watching old Scrubs reruns than go out with a group of people. I really get overwhelmed around lots of people, even friends.

becki**** said...

Its a secret. And best kept.

Margie said...

This looks like a great book. My best kept secret is that I always look at the homes for sale, even though we are not planning to move.MargieT

Ronit said...

My best kept secret is that I'm afraid that even though I know all the right things to do, I am really a horrible teacher. I'm afraid that the other teachers in my grade and subject are doing a much better job and my students aren't learning or retaining as much.

CherylAnn said...

I hide my favorite candy up on a shelf in the back of my closet. Sometimes I just don't like to share!

Nanette said...

Hi Manic...thanks so much for offering up this book. I have a very close friend dealing with this exact issue right now. She even tried rehab to no avail. I am so sad for her...she desperately wants to quit drinking! Anyway, I guess a secret about me would be how badly I want to go back to school and get a degree. At 41yo this is TERRIFYING! Not sure if I'll ever do it...I keep finding reasons not to. :) Take Care MM!! Nan

EBrowning said...

My best kept secret is that even though I complain about being single and not being able to find Mr. Right - I secretly like being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want without checking in with anyone. I also love having the whole bed to myself! Not that I want to be single forever, but for now it's kind of nice! :)

Kristi said...

I think at least once every day about ditching my family and running away. I never would because I love them, but it's exhausting to be a full time employee, mother, wife, cook, maid, chauffer, personal shopper, etc. I never have me time or get to do or buy something for myself.

Kristi Marie

lucy872 said...

My best kept secret is that I spend way too much time on my computer. I use the excuse that I am "working", but half the time I am on facebook or reading tabloid gossip. It's one of the reasons I won't get an IPhone or Blackberry...I'm afraid I'll never get offline!

Karen said...

Probably that I'm disappointed almost every day. Sad, but true. I really have to work to be happy. :( ktmixon315

LeslieB83 said...

I work in a profession where you are expected to be pleasant, happy and helpful to the random people who come in every day, and I'm always told ow pleadant, happy, and helpful I am. My secret is that I am not a people person and that I feel like slapping most of the people I help because their problems are trivial.

Rachel @ ChaosIsAFriendOfMine said...

My best kept secret is that I sneak off and eat candy when my kids aren't paying attention. (I also do the bad babysitter thing when my husband is out of town - glad I'm not the only one!)

Terri said...

My BSK is going to remain a secret from all but the other two people involved (keep your minds out of the gutters) but I am dying to share it with someone!

Instead, I'll share that even though I'm a quiet person, I'm totally a yeller with my kids, although my neighbors probably know that. :)

Terri M.

Melissa said...

My best kept secret??? Unfortunately, I don't have any because I have what my husband calls "no filter". He wishes I had secrets!!
-tmd636

Katy F said...

My Best Kept Secret is I love to sneak away and grab a quick nap before the kids get home from school. Of course, I am up before they walk through the door. Now that school is out things will be different!! lol

Leah B said...

My best kept secret is that I love to read YA ... even though I am in my 30s!!

WandaZ said...

My best kept secret... The reason I rarely drink alcohol is because I grew up as the child of an alcoholic parent.

I would love to read this book!

DaphneSFL said...

My best kept secret is that I have absolutely no desire to have kids. I like kids, I have nieces and nephews that I adore, and love my friends kids, but, under no circumstances do I want any of my own. My husband and I are totally selfish; we like our freedom and the ability to do what we want when we want to. I think some people we meet think we don't have any (we've been married for 10 years) because of reproductive issues. No, we don't have any because we don't want any. It's a great thing if that's what you want, but, we don't. My freedom and ability to sleep far outweighs any desire to have children.

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I had doubts right before my wedding but wasn't strong enough to call it off or delay it. We have been married almost 38 years so I guess it worked out okay.

Lilianarenee said...

My best kept secret is that I call the girl who considers me her Best Friend Ever my shopping and eating friend. No where near my BFF.

Bethy said...

My best kept secret is that I have pawned some jewelry my husband has bought me over the years when we were low on cash. He just thinks I never wear it anymore, that I am more in to "costume jewelry" now.

Joelle said...

My best kept secret is my ever growing book collection. Lol. My hubby is clueless as to really how large my collection is. Lol...It is an addiction but a GOOD one. ;)

Jessica said...

My best kept secret is that I read books like you post here at work, haha. It's bad but I love chic lit books so much. I hide my book under my desk and look at it every so often.

Thanks!
-Jessica

CChristyW said...

BKS? Well, I don't keep secrets very often. That way I don't have to remember what I said...everyone else does! Heh! Maybe what I haven't told a friend of mine is that I really don't like her husband. I don't think he likes me either so guess it makes us even? And the truth is that I don't even care to make nice with him. It means I don't spend much time with her anymore, which is kind of sad.

Lauri said...

My best kept secret is that I get lonely sometimes because I live far from my family but I play it off so most people think it doesn't bother me that much.

michelle m said...

my best kept secret will remain just that...a SECRET

Dawn said...

That I'm 38 and haven't figured out what I want to do with my life or what I'm good at. I seem to fake things pretty well.

Crystal said...

BKS: sometimes I wish I *had* changed my major and become a teacher. but the economy is so bad and teachers are being laid off...I guess things worked out for the best.

Crystal717

Beverly Victoria said...

My best kept secret is that I can't wait until my oldest moves into her own apartment and starts her "adult" life in a few days. I love her, but I really need her to be independent.

Erica said...

Hmmm.... I stress shop. It's bad! On the upside I have nice jewelry. On the downside I have some bills I wish would go away.

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have a best kept secret...I'm an open book (aka I share TMI!) Not to copy your secret, but similarly, every time my husband travels (which is often), the kids and I always pick one night to forfeit our typically healthy dinners and have big plates of chipped beef gravy and biscuits instead.

Colbey J

Coleen said...

My best kept secret is that I do not shave my legs from october til march. I have not very hairy legs and usualyl do not need to shave for that long but no one knows that.

Anonymous said...

I talk about eating healthier, but I sneak off and buy junk food when I am having a bad day. Patticole

Ronda in b'ham said...

I eat so much sugar when my husband is out of town.

Anonymous said...

My best kept secret is......best kept secret!

SPepper22

holly wohl said...

Probably my journal that i've had for 5 years. I only write in it when I'm really stressed and at my breaking point. I should write in it more often to get frustration out but I can never find the time.

holly wohl

Christine in NJ said...

Your interview was GREAT MaNiC! I can't wait to read this book! Thank you so much!...

I wish I had some secrets to share... thinking thinking thinking - BUT I got nothing!

Sorry!
Christine

Katie said...

Katie M in N-ville

My best kept secret is that I am a magazine hoarder. I get so many magazines every month that it sometimes will take me a year to read them. I bring them into work so that my husband cannot see how many I get and read them on my breaks.

Homestead Jen said...

That I want another baby. :) But we made that decision permanent (husband had the Big V), so if I love my marriage, and I do, I will keep this secret, and be happy with my wonderful sons.

Nicole Marie said...

My best kept secret is that I'm terrified of being alone and never finding someone to share my life with...

NicoleMG from CT

kwertz12 said...

My biggest secret is that I kissed a girl when I was younger. I know this is more accepted now, but I was in my early teens and both of us were in a really strict religion. Oops! lol

Kayo said...

I want to read this book and have been racking my brain for days about my best kept secret. I can't think of a thing. Pitiful!

Kayo

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