Screw You Dolores

Book excerpt: A funny, touching, endearing romp towards happiness by one of New Zealand's best-loved writers. 'In 1997 I wrote my first book about always being on a diet but never being thin. I wanted to call it Screw You Dolores after an anecdote that I felt summed up the attitude I wanted to promote, but my publisher at the time said it was too rude; that little old ladies might be too embarrassed to ask for it or booksellers might want to hide it in brown paper bags. 'In 2013 I wrote my twelfth book and called it Screw You, Dolores. It’s about knowing when to do what someone tells you to do, and knowing when to tell them to stick it up their jacksie.' This first book in Sarah-Kate Lynch's Wicked Approach To ... series tackles the subject of happiness, and how and where to find it — especially when you hit that milestone birthday of 50. Just like its author, it's sharp, full of attitude, funny and sassy. Buy it for yourself or for a friend for a good giggle. And buy it because, as she explores how to make herself happy by ignoring the expectations of others, Sarah-Kate Lynch finds great wisdom too.