Meant to Be: The Lives and Loves of a Jersey Girl

(Hardback)

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Description

When Lauren Pizza was thirteen, she died. Caught under a small sailboat, she struggled to reach the surface, only to find that what she thought was up was actually down . . . and that's all she remembers. Ever since being resuscitated by two strangers, Pizza has felt a presence in her life from the spirit world. Is it crazy Maybe. Her family sure thinks so.

Reviews

"Though perhaps 'meant to be,' this memoir is a pop-culture hybrid. Is it about an exhausted mom raising some spirited but good-hearted kids Yes, indeed. But were near the Jersey shore with a Jersey girl here, and the book jacket helps cover that angle (from the rear, one notes) with a swim-suited blonde. And rounding out the books genetic raison dtre is the authors psychic gift, partially bestowed by a near drowning at age 13. The big twist here comes from Pizzas marrying into big, big money, which supplies more original escapades, such as spending millions on a house that turns out to be haunted; having her photo taken with such luminaries as Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Tom Hanks; and being embarrassed by name-dropping Robert De Niro to someone who is better positioned to name-drop Robert De Niro. In 46 rib-poking, good-natured chapters, Pizza shares how there are 'other things in life to worry about besides business and money' and that learning to be open to the unexpected 'can lead to great things.'" Booklist

"The Lauren Pizza in this book is the Lauren Pizza Ive met: funny, direct, more spiritual than I am sure many people see her as being, and full of whatever goes beyond joie de vivre. She not only is funny and engaging, but profound and deeply reflective. A memorable book from a striking and memorable woman. Judith Light

"Meant to Be is a rollicking read! Lauren Pizza's feisty wit has arrived on the literary scene as today's Irma Bombeck meets Nora Ephron. She's a welcome breath of fresh, funny air!" Martin Levin

"If laughter is the best medicine, this book should require a prescription. I laughed so hard my husband thought I was having an epileptic fit. Pizzas wicked sense of humor makes magic out of the ordinary and makes the extraordinary downright ridiculous." Charity Gaye Finnestad, author of Hollywood in Heels

"Fierce and fabulous for sure, Lauren takes readers on a Jersey Girl journey they won't soon forget! From a life-changing experience down-the-shore, to cocktailing with Clooney, Lauren's Garden State story is the real deal." Marie Moss and Barri Leiner Grant, authors of JERSEY GIRLS: The Fierce & The Fabulous

"Lauren Pizza's Meant to Be is moving, uplifting, fast-paced, and hilarious. I laughed with Lauren as she unfolded a fearless, distinctively female story. This woman is going to make waves in the world!" Willa Shalit, co-producer of The Vagina Monologues

"Lauren Pizza's wonderful memoir of love and life lifted my spirit and kept me turning page after page filled with fabulous adventures. Meant to Be is a sure hit!" Stewart F. Lane, producer of Broadway's Romeo and Juliet
"Though perhaps 'meant to be,' this memoir is a pop-culture hybrid. Is it about an exhausted mom raising some spirited but good-hearted kids Yes, indeed. But were near the Jersey shore with a Jersey girl here, and the book jacket helps cover that angle (from the rear, one notes) with a swim-suited blonde. And rounding out the books genetic raison dtre is the authors psychic gift, partially bestowed by a near drowning at age 13. The big twist here comes from Pizzas marrying into big, big money, which supplies more original escapades, such as spending millions on a house that turns out to be haunted; having her photo taken with such luminaries as Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Tom Hanks; and being embarrassed by name-dropping Robert De Niro to someone who is better positioned to name-drop Robert De Niro. In 46 rib-poking, good-natured chapters, Pizza shares how there are 'other things in life to worry about besides business and money' and that learning to be open to the unexpected 'can lead to great things.'" Booklist

"The Lauren Pizza in this book is the Lauren Pizza Ive met: funny, direct, more spiritual than I am sure many people see her as being, and full of whatever goes beyond joie de vivre. She not only is funny and engaging, but profound and deeply reflective. A memorable book from a striking and memorable woman. Judith Light

"Meant to Be is a rollicking read! Lauren Pizza's feisty wit has arrived on the literary scene as today's Irma Bombeck meets Nora Ephron. She's a welcome breath of fresh, funny air!" Martin Levin

"If laughter is the best medicine, this book should require a prescription. I laughed so hard my husband thought I was having an epileptic fit. Pizzas wicked sense of humor makes magic out of the ordinary and makes the extraordinary downright ridiculous." Charity Gaye Finnestad, author of Hollywood in Heels

"Fierce and fabulous for sure, Lauren takes readers on a Jersey Girl journey they won't soon forget! From a life-changing experience down-the-shore, to cocktailing with Clooney, Lauren's Garden State story is the real deal." Marie Moss and Barri Leiner Grant, authors of JERSEY GIRLS: The Fierce & The Fabulous

"Lauren Pizza's Meant to Be is moving, uplifting, fast-paced, and hilarious. I laughed with Lauren as she unfolded a fearless, distinctively female story. This woman is going to make waves in the world!" Willa Shalit, co-producer of The Vagina Monologues

"Lauren Pizza's wonderful memoir of love and life lifted my spirit and kept me turning page after page filled with fabulous adventures. Meant to Be is a sure hit!" Stewart F. Lane, producer of Broadway's Romeo and Juliet

Author Bio

Lauren Pizza was born in Paterson, New Jersey and raised in Little Falls. She graduated from University of Dayton. She is the founder and creator of Laridan Productions, which offers a wide array of services to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. She and her husband, Joe, share the facilities of the family's healthcare group, PharmSphere LLC, which has several locations both in the USA and the EU. Lauren also hosts a web show called So Tell Me.

Along with her company, Lauren is involved in helping and supporting several medical care organizations, including The Forum Childrens Foundation and the World Health Organization, as well as several acting organizations, such as The Actors Fund, The MusiCares Program, The Acting Company, and The Drama League. Other organizations include The American Cancer Society, The Boys and Girls Club of NYC, International Burn Advocates Network, and Gildas Club.

Lauren is also a nominee for the Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2014. She resides in Palm Beach, Florida, and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.