BOOK REVIEW: Start the year with a 'light' and enjoyable book

Overweight in Beverly Hills? That's a misdemeanor. Overweight in show business? Ahh, that's practically a felony. That's the thesis of the hilarious fiction story "Once Upon a Time in Beverly Hills," written by first-time author Elaine Franklin. It is a blend of escapism and realism featuring two Jewish characters in a fun romp through the glamour and pitfalls of society and show biz. It is a "fine fairytale of three good friends and some magic," said one reviewer.

The story centers around Joanna Leighton, a semi-famous and fat interior designer on a local television show. She's thrilled to he...