Pam Wilson says "S.O.S. From Suburbia" is for women dreaming of a "good night's sleep, an over-the-top anniversary celebration and perfect thighs." Wilson, who writes for stltoday.com/moms, collected essays into a book (150 pages, Bluebird, $15; sosfromsuburbia.vpweb.com). The Chesterfield woman recently celebrated her 50th birthday by dancing to That '80s Band. She and her husband, Ken Goldberg, have a son, 15, and daughter, 12.

What do you like best about the 'burbs? • Suburbia is a great place to raise kids who become confident, independent people. As much as I think I'm a "city girl," living here is comfortable and that's nothing to take for granted.

Have you watched "Suburgatory" on TV? • Yes, I have and I love it for its entertainment value. I saw Cheryl Hines on "The View," and she talked about how each character is so intense and over the top. Has she ever been here? We have those people, too!

Why do you write? • I write to make myself laugh and to figure out life. When I write a piece and I know it's good, and then someone reads it and relates to it, I feel as if we've made a connection.