I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions.
ManyPaws is an innovative “altered book” by author, Susan DeGarmo. It is a light-hearted, interactive pop-up book for women on getting older and going through the change.
I’m sure if you’re over 45 you’ve asked yourself…”What’s happening to my body and mind? I feel like I’m going crazy!” I know I did.
While teaching a course on altering books (books that have “altered” by folding pages, adding paints, rubber stamps, collages, anything you can think of!), I had a hot flash and decided to create this altered book: “ManyPaws, The Years of Change.” The book’s by-line said, “The Years of Change” and boy, that was me! So, I made it my own by adding the title “ManyPaws” which is a play on the word… menopause. No respectable woman is going to have a book laying around that says “Menopause”!
ManyPaws is a lighthearted pop-up book where I’ve shared my own goofy stories about what I went through with menopause, a few tidbits about aging and a few observations about our body parts (hehe!). In the front, you can add pictures of your friends or family and personalize the book just for them. It’s just for laughs, ladies. I’m not a physician and have no idea how to treat your symptoms, but am a survivor of the change! You will be, too! ~ Susan DeGarmo
Everything about this book is a bit unique, creative and fun! You can even customize it and place your own photos or those of one of your loved ones over the existing photos in the book and give this as a personalized gift. I think most “women in the middle” will appreciate this book and its distinct humor. It sends a message that it is OK for us to laugh at ourselves and that we are all in the same boat when it comes to menopause.
I scanned one of my favorite pages from the book below. “Do your boobs hang low? Do they wobble to & fro? Can you tie them in A knot? Can you tie them in a Bow?” And the pop up head allows you to adjust the boobs on that page to wherever yours are hanging for the day. Most days for me…that would be pretty darn low. 😉
About the Author:
Susan DeGarmo was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. For almost eighteen years, off and on, she has taught graphic design at a design college. She is married to an incredible guy, has two beautiful daughters, two son-in-laws and 5 grands.
You can purchase ManyPaws on Amazon or on Susan’s website www.manypawsforwomen.com. Make sure you stop by Susan’s website. She has full-color greeting cards available on her website that are taken from the pages of ManyPaws and would be perfect to send to a friend who might be experiencing their own “manypaws” moments. There is also a cute video to watch and a blog where you can find out more about Susan and what she is up to.
Giveaway
Susan has also generously donated three ManyPaws books to be raffled off! Just leave a comment below and on 11/5/14 we will randomly select three winners.
Pam Buttikofer is a co-founder of Imperfect Women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 37 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, sons and her lovable pups.
Sounds like a funny book. I have a ways to go before the change starts (I think…..or at least I hope), but I think I should read this so I can get a feel for what’s coming.
This looks like a great book to have. I am only 44 and already have been going through the change for the last year. Some days I feel like I’m going to jump out of my skin, other days I’m fine. It’s hard to keep up!
It sounds like it would give you something to laugh about when going through the change. I have heard so many horror stories.
It definitely sounds like a fun and light hearted way to look at the things that we have to go through. Always good to be able to look at such things in a light hearted way.
Haha. I can totally relate to that scan you took. Hysterical!
Sounds like humor is the best medicine for this. I like the sounds of this book and must say with me reaching mid 40’s i could use a giggle.
If we don’t laugh, we cry, right? This is a fun way to look at that lovely time of life.
Wow, that page was shocking! HAHA It was funny though
I love the title! This sounds like a great book for women who are going through the change.
I have this book, too, and think it’s adorable. You need to be able to laugh at this stage of life!
I am far from these changes, but it sounds like a funny book. The page showcased made me giggle 😛
This sounds like a fun book. I am going to have to check it out! Thanks so much for the review.
This book looks really funny and great to read. By the cover lone, I can see picking this up.
I should get this book for my MIL. She is going through menopause but sadly not taking it too well. Maybe this will bring a smile to her face. Looks like it would be a fun book to read!
This sounds like a fun book to read on subject that most women don’t want to talk about. I am going to have to look for this book in a bookstore near me.
After 40 the body changes so dramatically. It’s not pleasant. Everything is harder. Working out harder – losing a pound or two harder. I hate that actually.
Lol, I’m for anything that lightens the struggle with menopause. Sounds creative!
I love the title. This looks like a great, humorous book and helpful for women of that age group.
This looks like a great book. I love to read a book that makes me laugh.
What an awesome concept. Anything we can laugh at (and share with others going through something similar) makes it easier to handle, IMO. I’m in the target demographic and would love to learn more so I know what to anticipate that I haven’t yet experienced.
I checked out Susan’s website and will be back. Loved her greeting cards, especially one that played on gray hairs aka gray hares! Too cute!
Could be a book to relate to! I’ve been going through early change.
I love that this book addresses the issues of women in this age group. It seems like there is very little literature for these women and their concerns.
hahahaha I need that book. I’m up there in age myself and have been wondering about some of these things myself and my boobs do hang low, well at least without a wonderbra. 🙂
What a fun book for a serious topic. Not making light, but making it entertaining. I love it!
That’s hilarious! We women need books like this to help us deal with the uncomfortable facts of life as women. Those darn hormones!!
I’m so happy to read this. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the page u shared out of ur book. I laughed & laughed & I could so relate! Ive been thru Pre-ManyPaws, than ManyPaws & Now the Doc said Post-ManyPaws is what im going thru now. With ur page u shared made me laugh so hard that i Guess Since im now in Postpaws that means “I will have to tie them in a bow just to keep them off the floor! I wonder where I Will be able to buy a bra!!!! HaHaHa Thank u so much for sharing & making me laugh. I dont Laugh as much as I should now a days Thank you!! Thank u, Thank you!