Rachel Bertsche – författare

Calling all bada**es! The only official guide to the kickin' world of the Emmy-nominated and globally beloved show Cobra Kai is here.The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans — an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso).The show’s creators will give an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai and the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. Hear directly from the show’s crew and get an exclusive behind -he-scenes look into fight choreography from the stunt team; journey with the set designers through the Valley, from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo; and learn from the composers how the bada** soundtrack for the show was conceived. And MUCH MORE!Remember: Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

The only official guide to the kick-a** world of Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated and globally beloved show Cobra Kai.Rachel Bertsche’s The Kick-A** Book of Cobra Kai is a celebration of the superfans—an essential companion to the show acting as a master sensei ready to guide readers through the karate-crazed San Fernando Valley. The legacy of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai continues with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations as well as interviews with Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso), William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence), Martin Kove (John Kreese), Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz), and Mary Mouser (Samantha LaRusso).The show’s creators present an unprecedented look inside the making of Cobra Kai and the writing, directing, and production of this beloved franchise that has grown from scrappy underdog to a global phenomenon. Hear directly from the show’s crew and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into fight choreography from the stunt team; journey with the set designers through the Valley, from the magical retreat of the Miyagi-do dojo to the humble strip mall that houses the Cobra Kai dojo; and learn from the composers how the bada** soundtrack for the show was conceived. And MUCH MORE!Remember: Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy.

When Rachel Bertsche first moves to Chicago, she’s thrilled to finally share a zip code, let alone an apartment, with her boyfriend. But shortly after getting married, Bertsche realizes that her new life is missing one thing: friends. Sure, she has plenty of BFFs—in New York and San Francisco and Boston and Washington, D.C. Still, in her adopted hometown, there’s no one to call at the last minute for girl talk over brunch or a reality-TV marathon over a bottle of wine. Taking matters into her own hands, Bertsche develops a plan: She’ll go on fifty-two friend-dates, one per week for a year, in hopes of meeting her new Best Friend Forever.In her thought-provoking, uproarious memoir, Bertsche blends the story of her girl-dates (whom she meets everywhere from improv class to friend rental websites) with the latest social research to examine how difficult—and hilariously awkward—it is to make new friends as an adult. In a time when women will happily announce they need a man but are embarrassed to admit they need a BFF, Bertsche uncovers the reality that no matter how great your love life is, you’ve gotta have friends.From the Trade Paperback edition.

For fans of The Happiness Project and The Year of Living Biblically comes a pointed look at our fascination with celebrities, as one woman strives to remake herself in the image of her favorite stars.   What woman hasn’t seen pictures of Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, or Beyoncé and wished she had their clothes, their abs, their seemingly flawless lives? For Rachel Bertsche, these celebrities are the epitome of perfection—self-assured and effortlessly cool. Yet lately, between juggling her career, her marriage, and her dream of becoming a mother, Bertsche feels anything but put together.   In Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me, Bertsche embarks on a quest to emulate her Hollywood role models—while sticking to a budget—to see if they really hold the keys to happiness. While trying to unlock the stars’ secrets, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s wardrobe to Julia Roberts’s sense of calm to—maybe one day—Jessica Alba’s chic pregnancy, Bertsche learns valuable lessons. A toned body doesn’t come easy or cheap, avoiding social media can do wonders for your peace of mind, and confidence is the key to pulling off any outfit. But can she immerse herself in the A-list lifestyle and still stay true to herself? And will her pursuit of perfection really lead to happiness?Praise for Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me   “If you’ve ever had a celebrity girl crush, stick Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me in your beach bag. Bertsche is your people.”—Associated Press   “[A] super-fun social experiment.”—PureWow   “Bertsche ups the ante. . . . The well-researched information on celebrity culture provides food for thought.”—Booklist   “What makes Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me work is Bertsche’s honesty. . . . [She] is funny, creative and, more importantly, manages to stay sane.”—Boston Herald   “An entertaining memoir about a woman’s attempt to model her life on those of stars.”—Tampa Bay Times   “A worthy narrative.”—The Boston Globe   “Bertsche blends elements reminiscent of Julie & Julia and The Happiness Project in this ‘self-improvement journey.’ . . . The process not only provides Bertsche with fruitful writing fodder but also prompts readers to examine their outlook on perfection, self-acceptance, and aspiring to be one’s very best self.”—Publishers Weekly   Praise for Rachel Bertsche’s MWF Seeking BFF   “Written with verve, insight, and humor . . . Bertsche writes cleverly, but not glibly, about the challenges young women face today.”—Chicago Tribune   “[A] charming, funny chronicle.”—PeopleFrom the Trade Paperback edition.