It's Hard Not To Hate You: A Memoir    by Valerie Frankel Order:  USA  Can Griffin, 2012 (2011) Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Wanda Plourde In her funny memoir, It's Hard Not To Hate You, Valerie Frankel takes us on a journey through her life. She begins when a doctor tells her that the hate inside her needs to come out. Valerie embarks on a mission to rid herself of all the negative emotions, including rage, impatience, regret, and of course jealousy. She vows to shed anything in her life she has repressed, suppressed, and I guess just held in. Things like her mother criticizing her, girls ridiculing her through junior high school, and old boyfriends who were selfish and ignorant of her needs. Then there are past rivals in her professional role. Throughout this journey she is also in the middle of medical and career crises. Hate invades her life in other areas, like snobbish neighbours, rude cell phone users, freaky doctors, and perfect moms who are not so perfect. Frankel gives us insight into how toxic emotions might actually be bad for us. She discovers that you don't need to like everyone in order to like yourself. And (my personal favourite) that you can be happy even if you're not. I must say from the bookcover I thought I was in for a read about an overweight girl who overcame the problem, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's Hard Not To Hate You turned out to be the most witty, humorous ride of my life, with insights that left me wondering, and questioning everything. The book is filled with good solid punches that leave you breathless. The author's persona reaches right out and ensnares you, so that you just want to pick up the phone and say hi. I loved it. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews