Queen of the Oddballs : And Other True Stories from a Life Unaccording to Plan
Author(s): Hillary Carlip
A hilariously offbeat memoir about an adventurous young woman's escapades as she defies conventions and transforms an ordinary Los Angeles life into a star-studded, extraordinary miracle of self-discovery.
Queen of the Oddballs forms a chronology of Hillary Carlip's habitual straying from roads more traveled -- from a wisecracking third-grader suspended from school for smoking (while imitating Holly Golightly) to a headline-making teen activist, juggler and fire eater, friend (NOT "fan") of Carly Simon and Carole King, grand prize-winning Gong Show contestant, cult rock star, and seeker of spiritual and romantic truths that definitely defy expectations.
Illustrated with ephemera -- from diary entries and photographs to a handwritten letter from Carly Simon -- Queen of the Oddballs presents a virtual time capsule of pop culture's last four decades and celebrates a creative life lived to the hilt.
Review(s):
“[Ms. Carlip’s] curriculum vitae reads like a Cliffs Notes version of American popular culture...”
“Carlip has lived a life that would make Leonard Zelig jealous.”
“Funny, endearing, and sweet for the soul, this is a lovable memoir.”
“[T]he charm... lies inher whimsical surrender to celebrity culture, balanced byher awareness of how silly it all is.”
“Quirky... hilarious... this unconventional tale of self-discovery offers an unforgettable ride.”
“An unpredictable, fresh, distinctive memoir ... it will suck you in before you know it.”
“Colorful? She was a kid Auntie Mame! Her book should be mandatory reading for anybody contemplating fabulousness.”
“Hillary Carlip is the best kind of eccentric: Genuine, ballsy, funny and soulful. ... She deserves to be our queen.”
“A hilarious and inspiring read for all of us who were too afraid to be ourselves. Or stalk Carole King.”
ISBN: 9780060878832