The other day, my very good friend and co-worker Patricia Kitchen sent me a book through inter-office mail.

As usual, Patricia came up with just the right book at the right time. This time it's "Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal," by Janice Taylor.

Our Lady of Weight Loss, "The Voice" that inspired Taylor to lose 50 pounds, doesn't push any one diet. Taylor writes that pretty much any of them will do if you stick to them.

And that is what the tome aims to make you do with a wacky and inspirational look at weight loss. The book is filled with loads of good advice, Righteous Recipes and Pious Projects (art projects) to keep the hands busy and away from food.

Also included are faToids (fat trivia), sacred assignments and Weighty Confessions, so you can confess your food sins and move on. There are also Ten Commandments of Permanent Fat Removal (my fave: No. 7. Thou shalt drink enough Holy Water to frighten Noah and map out all the restrooms in thy village.)

At the book's website, www.ourladyofweightloss.com, you can sign up for workshops and join the Kick in the Tush Club.

If you are in dire need of a diet starter or just a good kick in the tush, be sure to check out Our Lady of Weight Loss.
And when you fall off the wagon, remember, all is forgiven. Move on.

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com