Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever: The Making of a Happy Woman

by Judy Sheindlin

Book Overview

"My father was a kidder, and he could usually make me laugh; in laughing I was able to feel better about myself. He also gave me a piece of advice about beauty that has stayed with me. 'Beauty fades' he used to say, 'but dumb? Dumb is forever.' " Judge Judy's father impressed upon her that a bright intellect, a curious mind, and a passion for learning are priceless commodities. "For as long as I can remember," she writes, "the worst insult someone...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060192704
• ISBN13: 9780060192709
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Funny reading, even for (open-minded, smart) guys

I would bet this is probably Judge Judy's funniest book (c'mon, the title!). I'm on my second read of it and am enjoying it even more than the first time. Although the book is squarely targeted at women, the principles Judge Judy discusses could apply to men of low self-esteem also (hey, women have been reading and internally switching the pronouns in male-centric books for years; why not turn the tables?). Besides, her dialogue, much like that of her hit TV series, is abrasive, colorful, and blunt. Her revealing asides of household interactions between her and her husband Jerry (also in the legal profession) are HILARIOUS, well worth the price of the book. I am so hoping Judith Sheidlin will continue to write; I can't wait for her next book, whenever it emerges! Hysterical!

Hilariously Truthful

Just like on her TV show Judge Judy tells it like it is. In this book, Judge Judy talks about everything from toilet paper rolls, to little girl beauty pageants to the death of a spouse. And all along the way she tells some of the funniest stories. Some of the funniest are the ones that involve her husband Jerry. But even though she's telling funny stories about her husband and others, she is trying and succeeding at getting a point across to women--YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE. This book is excellent. Judge Judy is quite the author. Beauty Fades... is easy to read and teaches a lesson while being entertaining. Every mother should give this to their young daughters to read. Judge Judy teaches that you must have a sense of humor in life. She also teaches to not let yourself be trampled on in the work force by your male counterparts. Those are just a couple of the lessons given by Judge Judy. Judge Judy is definitely a positive role model for any age female. She knows what she wants and goes after it. More women need to be this way. Keep up the excellent work on and off TV Judge Judy :)

Judge Judy Rocks!

Words cannot describe my absolute love of this book. I have all of Judge Judy's books and this one is my absolute favorite. I have read it at least a dozen times and have applied much of this advice to my own daily life. Judge Judy talks about this subject with her usual "I'm not going to take any crap off of anybody" approach that we see all the time on her show, in her courtroom and dispenses it freely and objectively. She readily admits that, as a woman, she has made a few mistakes in her lifetime just like we all do. I admire the fact that she made a success of herself in such a male-dominated workplace as the judicial court system. My favorite story in the book has got to be the one where Judge Judy, as a family court judge, was in the cafeteria talking to a colleague when this old man judge came up to her and informed her that this room was for judges only. She then pretended that she was the cleaning lady! But then secretly took delight in the fact that this guy was embarrassed when he found out that she was actually a judge! Wouldn't we all love to do that? This is a definite must for any woman who is at any situation in life. Growing up, being a wife and mother, juggling a career, being a success, etc. A gem of a read.

A Book For Everyone!

I finally found a book with which I can identify! Judge Judy is a no-nonsense woman, no games here. She has the ability to "read" people quickly and they don't pull anything over on her. She is intelligent, witty, with a rare talent these days, COMMON SENSE! I loved the book and am recommending it to everyone. Her sensible, confident approach to life is refreshing and makes for healthier relationships. She shares her passion, pain and struggle.I loved the story in the "Lawyers Lounge," an example of guts and class! This book is easy reading and not convoluted. No Pop-Psychology here, just straight to-the-point and witty! It isn't about putting men down either. It's about INDEPENDENCE - financial and emotional.I recommend ALL women read this book and make life a little easier for those of us who are still fighting for "equality" in the workplace!