News Journal, Ohio, Terry Mapes
REFERENCE BOOK COVERS LOTS OF STUFF The publisher labels The Book of Fabulous Questions by Penelope Frohart (BRG Publishing) as humor; but to me it seems more like a reference book. Anyway, I'm including it in a column about new reference books. True, "The Book of Fabulous Questions" does generate a few laughs, such as when you try to imagine what might happen if you actually used some of these questions as conversation starters: "Have you ever dated anyone who was married?" "Do you snore?" "Are you silent or noisy during sex?" Nevertheless, this book, consisting entirely of questions, has many practical applications. Suppose you're going on a first date with someone and are afraid you won't have something to talk about. Consult the book ahead of time and when conversations lags, ask, "What was your first job? How much were you paid?" or "What was your neighborhood like when you were younger?" These questions are designed to get things started. Most of them could lead almost anywhere, perhaps even answers to more provocative questions like "Have you ever been photographed or videotaped naked?"


Port Arthur News, Texas, Darragh Doiron
QUESTIONS SPARK GREAT CONVERSATIONS I discovered something about the president on New Years Eve. I flipped from ABCs exciting worldwide coverage to a long, long view of Clintons receiving line to his own bash. He, nor his talked-about wife and child, dont have anything more impressive to say in such a line than I would. Ive always avoided those lines because I can never think of anything to say besides hello, thanks for having me, havent seen you in a while and nice dress. Guess what! Thats about all they say too. Perhaps the line isnt the place for titillating conversations. The next step is a table with people you dont know at all. Perhaps Penelope Frohart can help. "The Book of Fabulous Questions" can get the conversation ball rolling with those who just meet, and can trigger deeper conversation with those who we see all the time. BRG Publishing suggests this $9.95 book for use with first dates, spouses, coworkers, pals, lovers and total strangers. Name on thing that you wont leave home without? How do you feel about public displays of affection? Where do you draw the line? How would you describe your ideal boss? How would you describe the members of your family? If you could become a mentor, who would you like to help and what kind of wisdom would you offer? What was your best family vacation? What made it so great? How often do you write love letters? Do you save past love letters?


The MSU Reporter, Minnesota, Heather Nielsen
BOOK OF QUESTIONS IS A PARTY ICEBREAKER Every seven minutes there's a lull in the conversation. The silence continues on for what seems like forever, until now. "The Book of Fabulous Questions" is an excellent way to keep the conversation going for any occasion. Author Penelope Frohart has created a great multi-purpose book. "The Book of Fabulous Questions" can be used for almost anything from striking up a conversation to finding out more about someone. "It's just a fun way to learn about people. My purpose for the book is for the readers to have a blast with it," Frohart said. "Whether one-on-one or in a group, I really want the reader to be able to use this book as a communication tool to learn more about others and maybe even themselves."


Book Description
This book contains more than 600 thought provoking questions on all topics, from family to career, from religion to love, from sex to friendship. Some are easy, some complicated, some admittedly controversial. These questions will spice up any conversation. They can be posed to friends, spouses, casual acquaintances, lovers, relatives, just about anyone! They're intended, at the very least, to initiate some fun and perhaps lively conversations and they may open up conversational territories previously unknown. This book guarantees a great time!


From the Back Cover
USE THIS BOOK FOR THE MOST FUN YOU'VE EVER HAD! With this book, you can: * Instantly get to know people better * Add a little excitement to your dinner party * Take it with you on a road trip * Use in more intimate one-on-one encounters It has been test-marketed and it works! Pocket size, take it with you everywhere! For use with: * First dates * Spouses * Co-workers * Pals * Lovers * Ex-lovers * Unusual encounters * Total Strangers WARNING! DANGER! Answers may not always be what you expect. Be prepared. This book may change your life!


About the Author
Penelope Frohart is a vibrant young woman with an intense curiosity about people. Over time, she has developed a passion for writing, and this book has come about out of a habit of writing down every conceivable question one human being could ask another. When the list totaled as many as 600, she had the basis for a unique book. We thought so, too. And because this is a book of questions, we sat down with Frohart and fired away with a few questions of our own. Q: O.K. Penelope, you want to know so much. How about telling us something about yourself? For example, where are you from? A: I was born in Iowa, but I've lived in Oregon and Michigan and currently reside in Minnesota. Q: What was your major in college? A: I originally went to school for physical therapy, but after nearly failing my biology class I decided to stay away from anything involving science, especially plant and frog reproduction. After wandering through many subjects, I discovered my true love is writing! This led to a degree in advertising and public relations with an emphasis in marketing and journalism from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Q: What's your most embarrassing moment? A: I was at a water park and went down this huge slide and landed awkwardly under a surge of water. When I came up, gasping for air and getting my hair out of my face, I noticed everyone staring at me because my bikini top was not where it should've been. To top that off, my friend's grandfather said "Hey, can you do that again?" Needless to say, that was my last trip down the slide that day. Well, that gives you a little taste of the Frohart persona. In a bit more serious vein, we can tell you that Penelope's been writing all her life. She's produced a number of articles and turned out hundreds of press releases. Her perpetual confidence tells her that The Book of Fabulous Questions will be an instant hit. So here it is, and there's another book on the way.


Excerpted from The Book of Fabulous Questions : Great Conversation Starters About Love, Sex and Other Personal Stuff by Penelope Frohart. Copyright © 1998. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
What do you remember about your first day of school? What was your most memorable family vehicle? How would your closest friends describe you? Does your job make you feel proud? How many times have you called in sick and not really been sick? When's the last time you cried? Why? How do you celebrate good news? Where's your favorite place to be alone? What's the most creative way you've introduced yourself to someone? Is it easier for you to fall in or out of love? Do you tend to focus more on the past, present or future? What talents do you have that would surprise me? What makes you feel sexy? How do you define intimacy?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book contains more than 600 thought provoking questions on all topics, from family to career, from religion to love, from sex to friendship. Some are easy, some complicated, some admittedly controversial. These questions will spice up any conversation. They can be posed to friends, spouses, casual acquaintances, lovers, relatives, just about anyone! They're intended, at the very least, to initiate some fun and perhaps lively conversations and they may open up conversational territories previously unknown. This book guarantees a great time!

SYNOPSIS