Rebecca Fine is a successful newspaper fashion-columnist known for her witty insights and great fashion sense.  But, despite her outward success (and great outfits), Rebecca is unhappy.  This isn't the life she dreamed of when she was working on her journalism degree.  Back then, she thought she would be covering the hard-hitting stories and ferreting out hidden corruption across the globe.  Instead, she spends her time advising fashionistas on which shoe is THE SHOE of the season.

Rebecca's life takes a further down-turn when she finds out that her father has just gotten engaged to her high school nemesis, Bernadette "Lipstick" O'Brien--a woman, literally, half his age (and, in Rebecca's opinion, half the IQ of a normal person.)  And, Rebecca is further annoyed when the cute, but obnoxious guy she meets on the subway turns out to be the new guy in her office.  Will things ever look up for Rebecca?  She certainly doesn't think so and her continued complaining to family, friends, and co-workers is driving everyone up the wall.  When the fashion reporter discovers a possible cosmetics scandal, will she find that she has the know-how to ride this story to the big-time?  Or will Rebecca realize that she's been happy all along?

APOLCALIPSTICK is a clever commentary on accepting life as it is in many ways.  I kept expecting Rebecca to end up tapping her ruby-slippers together and whispering, "There's no place like home," at any minute.

In the end and after many, many mishaps (mostly of her own causing), Rebecca does learn that "having it all" can be a state of mind.  And, although Margolis' writing can be a bit clunky at times, the sentiments she expresses are always true and right on target.  Rebecca, Max, "Lipstick," Rebecca's dad, her co-workers, and family all chime in their own bits of wisdom--some it clichéd, but certainly true.

If you enjoyed Sue Margolis' previous books, you'll find APOCALIPSTICK just as funny and compelling.  Although it is a bit rough around the edges, I found it to be insightful and often very funny.  If you mix Bridget Jones' Diary with "Sex in the City," you'd probably end up with this book.  Good work, Ms. Margolis.