Self-help books are appealing and those who provide help to others
with a touch of wit and humor are simply irresistible. No matter
how many times I've sworn that I have bought my last one, another
clever title weakens my resolve and another book is added to my
already bulging bookcase. HOW TO PEE STANDING UP by Anna Skinner is
definitely one of those.

This little book is packed with all of the information that today's
busy young woman may have missed during Life Skills 101. Subjects
like "Beat the Bank," "Boss from Hell," and yes, "Pee Standing Up,"
are but some of the entries designed to round out her education. As
with most of my favorite self-help titles, this one is formatted in
user-friendly style, which allows for selective searching and
provides concise, short-winded solutions. No need to slog through
pages of research to find the answer to the questions that interest
you.

For example, in the "Beat the Bank" section, Skinner condenses into
three pages the "stupid reasons for going into credit card debt,"
"proper credit card conduct," and "tips for getting out of debt."
She even includes definitions when necessary so the reader can
learn that APR does not necessarily stand for April.

In dealing with the "Boss from Hell" Skinner writes, "…we
have found that they fall into one of four categories --- the
Moron, the Power Perv, the Passive-Aggressive, and the Bully ---
with frequent crossovers occurring." She then proceeds to provide
practical ways for dealing with each personality type so that you
won't lose your job or your mind.

"Pee Standing Up" has nothing to do with penis envy and everything
to do with the problems that arise from drinking the recommended
healthy gallon of water a day --- desperate problems that call for
emergency measures. And believe it or not, Skinner has come up with
some that even your Grandma never thought of.

This is a snappy, savvy little primer that would make a great gift
for that favorite young woman who is about to embark on the
adventure of life.