Real Housewife Jill Zarin Dishes in Providence
Thursday, June 10, 2010
They came to hear her dish, and she didn't disappoint.
Jill Zarin, Bravo's Real Housewife of New York City, joined her sister Lisa Wexler and their mother Gloria Kamen in Providence on June 6th to share secrets and sign copies of their new book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother: Real Advice, Real Stories, Real Love.
When a Housewife shows up, it's standing room only, and well-heeled guests enjoyed Jill, Gloria and Lisa reading excerpts from the book while Jill's husband, Bobby, otherwise known as "my Bobby" on the show, father Saul and beloved dog, Ginger, supported the family via front row seating.
Guests laughed, nodded in agreement, purchased many books and genuinely enjoyed the reading while politely but eagerly awaiting the Q&A where the real secrets would be divulged.
The Real Housewives of New York City Reunion airs tonight on Bravo at 10pm. For those who cannot wait another minute for the skinny, read on...
Jill Spills It
Q: Where do you stand with Bethenny?
Jill: There's been a lot of damage. Nowhere. It's sort of peaceful now. Bethenny really isn't talking to anybody. She's very busy with a newborn. Are there things I would like to take back? Yes.
Q: Gloria, are there things that make you cringe about the show?
Gloria: I had a problem with Ramona. It was an issue of character and respect. Bethenny, she's my child and I don't want to see her hurt or angry but she's not on my great list. Hopefully with a child she will change. I don't want her to hurt my daughter anymore.
Q: What's with Kelly?
Jill: There are a lot of things on the show you do not see. On Poison Island, Kelly wanted to run away the night of the dinner, but the producers wanted her to go back in. That's why Kelly came back to the table with the jelly beans.
SPOILER ALERT:
During the Q & A, a collective gasp filled the Hilton ballroom, when Jill dropped the bombshell, "I'm not sure if I'm coming back. There are plenty of women lined up to do the show. I would need more control over the show to come back. There are a lot of things you don't see. We shot so much film on my philanthropy, on helping Allison with college admissions..."
Jill's fans did not approve. Not sure if Jill's detractors will approve. For what is Bethenny without her Jill? It's the yin and yang of the Housewives. You need it all: the good, bad and the ugly. I'm not sure viewers want to see more footage of the Countess' philanthropy and good works....isn't that what the Jewish Federation is for?
Thank goodness for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, which sponsored the event and reaped its benefits, literally, to support its Women's Alliance. Committee co-chair Robin Kall Homonoff, of WHJJ's Reading with Robin, pulled a few radio connections to reach out to Wexler... and the rest was history. Secrets of a Jewish Mother is available at bookstores everywhere, or online here.
