I’ve Got Sand In All the Wrong Places by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: July 12, 2016
Date Read: July 3, 2016
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
Lisa and Francesca are back with another collection of warm and witty stories that will strike a chord with every woman. This six book series is among the best reviewed humor books published today and has been compared to the late greats, Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. Delia Ephron said of the fifth book in the series, Have a Nice Guilt Trip, “Lisa and Francesca, mother and daughter, bring you the laughter of their lives once again and better than ever. You will identify with these tales of guilt and fall in love with them and fierce (grand) Mother Mary.” This seventh volume will not disappoint as it hits the humorous and poignant note that fans have come to expect from the beloved mother-daughter duo.
I love these books! The best way to describe this book is a collection of article length stories loosely tied together. This book really does read like scenes from Lisa and Francesca’s life. You know the funny little observations, or the not so funny ones, that make up your day and your conversations with your friends. In a lot of ways, this book feels like a conversation with a friend. Every time that I picked this book up to read for just a few minutes, I would end up reading huge sections of the book because it was just so hard to put down.
The majority of the stories in this book come from Lisa’s point of view. Francesca is also well represented but just looking at numbers, Lisa authored more of the chapters. I love their sense of humor! Both of these ladies are just plain funny at times. I love that most of their funny stories remind me of the stories that I share with my friends and family. I didn’t laugh out loud while reading this book but I did have a grin on my face quite often.
I love how these two ladies really let us readers into their life in this book. Not everything in their life has been pleasant and they make mistakes. They own their mistakes and share their pain. Anytime the story was a bit more emotional, I could completely empathize with them. I like how they both shared their perspectives on similar stories. Their bond with each other is obviously very strong and it is a joy to see how much they are there for each other.
I am always amazed by how much I am able to relate to these authors. I do relate to Lisa just a bit more but only because I have to think kind of hard to remember what it was like to be young and in the dating scene like Francesca. I really think that almost every adult woman will find something to relate to in this book. There are stories of growing up, dealing with family, getting older, dating, and finding your way each day.
I would recommend this book to others. Lisa and Francesa do a fantastic job of telling quick stories that really pack a punch. They have written quite a few of these books together but they can each be read as a stand alone. This is a perfect book to curl up with when you want something light that feel like being with an old friend.
About the Authors
© Ryan Collerd LISA SCOTTOLINE is a bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author and a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. She has been published in thirty countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of pets.
FRANCESCA SCOTTOLINE SERRITELLA graduated cum laude from Harvard University, where she won the Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize, the Le Baron Russell Briggs Fiction Prize and the Charles Edmund Horman Prize for her creative writing. She lives in New York with one dog and one cat, so far.
I don't think I've ever heard of their books before, but the method of their writing has me curious.
These books are so much fun!
I didn't realize they did these stories. This looks fun and I love that they let the reader into their lives. Nice review, Carole!
They really do open up and talk about just about every subject. It was a nice break.
This sounds absolutely wonderful. I've been wanting to read something from Lisa Scottoline and this sounds just perfect for my tired brain!
This is the perfect kind of book to pick up when you want something really light and easy.
This sounds like so much fun. I love the title. I have only read one of Lisa Scottoline's books in the past.
This one is very different than any of her mystery novels. I love those too but this is different.
oh this one sounds fun Carole!! I really enjoy book like this…that have a realistic tone to it.
I had a lot of fun with it!
This title is amazing!! Sounds like a fun book!
It really was, Grace.
What a fun book! I read one of Lisa's mysteries many years ago and recall liking it.
This is completely different from any of her mystery novels but I do like both of her styles of writing.
I've thought about picking up one of their humor books but have held off. I may see if the library has their books.
I have "My Next Husband Will Be the Dog" about halfway through. It's fun to pick up and read from time to time. This one will be a must read as well.