Endangered pleasures: in defense of naps, bacon, martinis, profanity, and other indulgences

by Barbara Holland · 1995

In this delightfully irreverent collection of essays, Barbara Holland champions the everyday luxuries that make life worth savoring. From the bliss of a mid‑day nap and the sizzle of crisp bacon to the clink of a perfectly mixed martini, Holland argues that these simple indulgences are under siege by a culture obsessed with productivity, diet trends, and perpetual politeness. With sharp wit, warm nostalgia, and a healthy dose of profanity, she makes a persuasive case that pleasure isn’t a guilty secret—it’s a vital, even rebellious, act of self‑care. Through personal anecdotes, literary references, and a keen eye for the absurdities of modern living, Holland invites readers to reclaim the small joys that keep us human. Whether you’re a lover of lazy afternoons, a bacon enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a well‑earned cocktail, this book offers both humor and heartfelt encouragement to savor life’s endangered pleasures before they disappear.