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Review of the book “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Cars But Didn’t K

This is the first weekend I've had in nearly a year when I've had the house to myself. My husband, Brian, is off covering the IRL race in Orlando, the 24 Hours of Daytona and Indy Car spring training at the new Homestead track. I've got nearly three weeks to do all the undone stuff that has accumulated.

The first item on my list, second only to some much needed house cleaning, was to begin reading Lesley Hazelton's book "Everything Women Always Wanted Know About Cars* but didn't know who to ask." I met her at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. Her literature intrigued me as did her tremendous energy and verve. So I was highly motivated to excavate the time to read her book.

I contacted the publisher for a reviewer's copy -- free books being one the great benefits of publishing an electronic magazine. It arrived Thursday and I eagerly opened the package right away to read the first chapter. I was hooked - this is a fantastic publication!

By the way, Lesley mentioned to me at the show that the publisher had selected the title. She rolled her eyes as she told me this and I gather she had something else in mind.

Regardless of the silly name, this is a book every Woman should read before buying a new or used car. It is also worth reading simply for the insight and humor - both items the automotive industry often lack. I also suggest that every employee in every company that has Women as customers read this book, whether or not they sell cars or automotive products. There's a great deal we all can learn from Hazelton's insights.

Hazelton puts to words many of the things I have felt as a consumer over the years. She explains why Women feel alienated when they spend their money and therefore often resent the companies they buy products from. This is not empty criticism, she provides the resolution to every complaint she files. She also clearly explains the difference between Men as car buyers and Women as car buyers. It is the age old, fundamental difference between Men having a romance and Women wanting a relationship. Sound familiar?

Next she describes the different available vehicles, the pros and cons of each and the features every car owner should have, as well as the options. Pros and cons included. She tells how to find out what the price should really be and gives you phone numbers for those resources. She tells you how to test drive a car, haggle with the dealer and how to decide whether or not to lease. There is information on how to drive (just in case you don't have the time, money or inclination to attend a high performance, driving school), what makes them safe or not, And finally, a wonderful, easy to swallow, and fascinating look under the hood. Who ever thought an engine could be sexy.

Buy the book. The reading of it goes by quickly. (My cat Thumbs can vouch for that.) But the information in it will last you a lifetime and save you big bucks. We owe Lesley and Doubleday at least the $14.95 price for making such a valuable resource available to us.

By the way, thanks Doubleday. We appreciate you investing in Women's voices and giving us literature that answers our questions, our way. You are to be commended. And, thank you Leslie. The book is great. We hope you make bundles of money and get your red Porsche.