Book Review. Glamour Interrupted: How I Became the Best-Dressed Patient in Hollywood by Steven "Cojo" Cojocaru

Normally I try to stick to fashion and beauty books, however, since Louis Vuitton and Prada, not to mention eye cream and the red carpet are mentioned several times throughout …I decided, why not? Truth be told, I picked up Glamour, Interrupted: How I Became the Best-Dressed Patient in Hollywood by Steven "Cojo" Cojocaru thinking I would read just a few pages since it’s ‘off-topic’ from what I normally review. Yet, two pages, turned into ten and the next thing I knew…I read the entire book. It was a tragic yet darkly humorous read.

I have to admit, I only vaguely knew of Cojo as I am not an avid watcher of ‘Entertainment Tonight’ or the ‘Today’ show. However, I am a celebrity stalker when it comes to the red carpet which is where I recognized Cojo. I admired his banter, quick wit and sarcastic humor. Thankfully his book on very tough subject matter (his nightmare ordeal with polycystic kidney disease) is injected with massive doses of caustic and dark humor.

Steven chronicles his journey from celebrity elbow rubber, to his diagnosis with polycystic kidney disease, to his denial, to his kidney removal and replacement, to his rejection of his first kidney, to his dialysis and depression and back again full-circle, yet a forever changed person. Honestly, I don’t think I could have handled the same circumstances nearly as well. Steven’s ongoing struggle to stay upbeat in the horrid world of kidney transplants and dialysis was truly admirable.

Glamour, Interrupted is an inspiring memoir of Steven’s struggles, triumphs, and eventually acceptance of a life that is less than perfect, but worth living. Having to give up his life of indulgence and obsession with all things cosmetic and size 0, Steven learned leaning on family, friends and fans for support does not make you weak, it makes you human. However, we all get by with a little help from our friends, a great concealer and sometimes…Spanx.

Glamour, Interrupted was just released by Harper Collins and is available for $16.29 at Amazon.