Build Your Own

[madrobins]

I was bemused enough to learn that Esquire thinks that men are becoming an endangered species (Steven Winn of the Chronicle thinks it's a little early to send out the alarum). But then a friend introduced me to this. Just like those children's books where you can have a Little Golden Book Lite children's book with a child's name as the name of the protagonist ("What will we do until mother comes home?" Emily said to Jack. Jack laughed. "Oh, Emily," he said. "You are so silly. We will play in the yard!") you can have your own nursey romance novel personalized for you with your looks and the name of your best friend and the hero's name of your choice (if you can't think of a suitably romantic name, they suggest you swap in Brad Pitt or George Clooney).

Madeleine tossed her curly brown locks and glared at Alan Rickman. "Is this the part where we 'meet cute?' she snarled. "I think you've broken my ankle." "Let me look," Alan purred, his voice like dark honey. "No, it's not broken. But I'm afraid I'll have to carry you home--just like I did Kate WInslet in Pride and Prejudice." "If you must," Madeleine said. A curious lassitude overtook her at his touch and the sound of his voice..."

Well, maybe not.