Author:Anne Thomas Soffee
SNAKE HIPS follows an Arab-American woman's life as she shimmies her way from getting dumped by her tattoo-artist boyfriend to coming to grips with being single, ample, and 30. Her heart broken, Soffee moves back home to wallow in self-pity. There she comes across a flier advertising the usual classes in yoga, vegetarian cookery, ballet and...belly dancing. Against the wishes of her extended family and friends, she enrols, hoping to heal her heart and reconnect with her Lebanese roots.
Soffee soon discovers that her life will never be the same after she enters the riotous world of belly dancing, a warm and welcoming subculture where younger and thinner are not necessarily better. Soffee's ethnic high leads to Princess Jasmine fantasies - for example, being 'third-favourite wife' to a sheik she is cyber-dating, a perfect relationship until she realizes that being obedient is easier online. Then she falls for a beautiful Lebanese boy-next-door. Among the zils (finger cymbals) and thrills of performing in moose lodges and county fairs, Soffee is surprised to find happiness and true love along the way.
'A hip, funny and uplifting memoir'
—— Grace MagazineToss the Prozac and grab a tambourine - I very much like Soffee's idea that a woman can belly dance her way out of heartache
—— Tom RobbinsBe sure to read this memoir before it gets made into a movie
—— BODY & SOUL magazineEntertaining insight and audacity - Dessau has been reviewing comedy for more than 30 years, and knows his stuff ... A fascinating look at the dark side of stand-up
—— Time Out, 4 starsIts sporadic vulgarity leavened by wit and insight, the book mirrors the mood of a late-night gig.
—— IndependentI can see a marked improvement in my posture and tone.
—— Susan D'Arcy, Sunday Times StyleA loving and detailed biog
—— MojoCute on the machinations of the industry and internal band politics
—— The Times, Book of the WeekBrilliant... forensically put together
—— Gordon Smart , XFMThe real pleasure of his beguiling, meandering narrative is not the destination but the rococo scenery en route. ****
—— Francis Wheen , Mail on Sunday