The Book of Fabulous Questions: Great Conversation Starters About Love, Sex and Other Personal Stuff
BOOK OF QUESTIONS IS A PARTY ICEBREAKEREvery 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."    --The MSU Reporter, Minnesota, Heather NielsenQUESTIONS SPARK GREAT CONVERSATIONSI 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?  --Port Arthur News, Texas, Darragh DoironREFERENCE BOOK COVERS LOTS OF STUFFThe 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?"  --News Journal, Ohio, Terry Mapes