NOTHING TO FALL BACK ON (2002)

The author has seen her share of hard times. Carter -- whose editorial instincts and strong personality served her well at Newsweek, Esquire, and New York Woman -- lost her teeth in a car accident, her house in a fire, and her husband of 17 years to men. But her memoir, despite a cancer diagnosis, is surprisingly whine-free. Whether remembering life as the only Jewish kid in her Miami neighborhood or her coverage of legends like Andy Kaufman and Studio 54, Carter writes with easy, unpretentious humor about work, friends, and family. (Her grandmother at her first wedding: '''If you ever have an affair,' she whispered, 'you can use my apartment.''') Here's to better days ahead.