JUDGE Judy (pictured) is offering advice to women free of charge.
Television’s most popular judge is celebrating the 19th season opening of her show this week by offering her new book, What Would Judy Say: Be the Hero of Your Own Story, for free to anyone who wants it.
The book offers advice primarily for women, telling them not to let anyone besides themselves define what makes them happy. It is filtered through stories of the charmed life of retired New York Family Court Judge Judy Sheindlin.
She can afford to be generous. With Judge Judy atop the daytime TV ratings, TV Guide reported last year that Sheindlin is the highest paid person on TV with an annual salary of $47 million (R505m).
“You should want to give something back,” she said. “If you can share with the people who’ve been good to you… do it. Not every-thing has to be a money-making operation. You do things sometimes because it makes you feel good.”
Sheindlin has written a handful of books, starting with 1996’s Don’t Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining.
The 71-year-old is signed to continue her show through 2017. With ratings continuing to grow, she doesn’t see an end in sight.
“Am I tired? No,” she said. “Do I still get a kick out of what I do? Absolutely. I always say that when… people have had enough of me, I’m going to be smart enough to say ‘goodbye’. It’s such a joyous ride to be on top, and it takes away from that ride if you sort of ride it down.”
Admitting that the moment has come isn’t easy, but Sheindlin insists she will.
“I hope my eyes are clear enough,” she said.
Instructions on getting a downloadable copy of her book are available on www.what wouldjudysay.com. – Sapa-AP