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The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman #7
I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places
Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella 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.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2016
About the author
Lisa Scottoline
122 books14.4k followersLisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
July 7, 2016
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
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.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I like these books by Lisa Scottoline and her daughter, Francesca Serritella. It is really more of collection of article length stories and observations. The bulk of the book was written by Lisa's point of view which is fine because I am old enough to relate to her more. Some parts are funny, some serious and all were hard to put down.
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.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
I like these books by Lisa Scottoline and her daughter, Francesca Serritella. It is really more of collection of article length stories and observations. The bulk of the book was written by Lisa's point of view which is fine because I am old enough to relate to her more. Some parts are funny, some serious and all were hard to put down.
March 27, 2018
3.5 stars
I have never read anything by Lisa Scottoline but borrowed this lighter fare by her and daughter Francesca Serritella to fulfill a challenge slot (a book by two authors). The audio was immediately available and read in alternating chapters by the duo. It consists of short essays and thoughts on their everyday lives and can be read as a standalone even if it is 7th in a series of similar offerings.
Lisa is very funny. She refers to her ex-husbands as Thing 1 and Thing 2. I appreciated that we concur that home is where the bra comes off. And the fleece goes on. That's what type of stories these are. For any men reading this review, if I didn't yet lose you with that last remark, watch the Duluth Trading TV commercial for Buck Naked Underwear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBJk3...
and you'll understand exactly what we women mean about seeking liberation from binding undergarments. Lisa went to the movies wearing fleece and no bra, and nothing happened! No one noticed! Yay! She also describes her love of family, dogs and gardening, how she writes, her celebrity crushes (Bradley Cooper and Larry David), etc. Lisa contributed most of the chapters.
Francesca took me just a little longer to warm up to. Her musings would probably be more interesting to someone 29-ish and still dating. I think with comments from both mom and daughter and with a variety of topics, they will appeal to a larger cross section of women. Francesca lives in NYC and still loves it, even though she was mugged.
A quick no brainer. I recommend the audio.
I have never read anything by Lisa Scottoline but borrowed this lighter fare by her and daughter Francesca Serritella to fulfill a challenge slot (a book by two authors). The audio was immediately available and read in alternating chapters by the duo. It consists of short essays and thoughts on their everyday lives and can be read as a standalone even if it is 7th in a series of similar offerings.
Lisa is very funny. She refers to her ex-husbands as Thing 1 and Thing 2. I appreciated that we concur that home is where the bra comes off. And the fleece goes on. That's what type of stories these are. For any men reading this review, if I didn't yet lose you with that last remark, watch the Duluth Trading TV commercial for Buck Naked Underwear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBJk3...
and you'll understand exactly what we women mean about seeking liberation from binding undergarments. Lisa went to the movies wearing fleece and no bra, and nothing happened! No one noticed! Yay! She also describes her love of family, dogs and gardening, how she writes, her celebrity crushes (Bradley Cooper and Larry David), etc. Lisa contributed most of the chapters.
Francesca took me just a little longer to warm up to. Her musings would probably be more interesting to someone 29-ish and still dating. I think with comments from both mom and daughter and with a variety of topics, they will appeal to a larger cross section of women. Francesca lives in NYC and still loves it, even though she was mugged.
A quick no brainer. I recommend the audio.
June 13, 2024
I picked up this book a few years ago, admittedly tickled by the book title and intrigued by the mother and daughter duet writing a collection of short stories based on their actual lives. I finally got around to read the book recently, and found myself entertained.
Despite the cheeky cover, the themes of the stories vary, from random musings, fantasies about Bradley Cooper, adulting and growing old, to somber reflections following an assault. The brief, fast-paced chapters (2-3 pages each) kept me engaged and were cleverly written.
As a side note, I apparently had read a couple of mystery books by Lisa Scottoline and did not enjoy them. Yet, here I am wishing that I can read her other memoirs. 😅
Despite the cheeky cover, the themes of the stories vary, from random musings, fantasies about Bradley Cooper, adulting and growing old, to somber reflections following an assault. The brief, fast-paced chapters (2-3 pages each) kept me engaged and were cleverly written.
As a side note, I apparently had read a couple of mystery books by Lisa Scottoline and did not enjoy them. Yet, here I am wishing that I can read her other memoirs. 😅
July 12, 2016
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Join Me July 14 Blog Tour Host Celebrate the launch, read an excerpt, and get all the latest updates!
The seventh in the series, Lisa Scottoline and daughter, Francesca Serritella have teamed up to bring their hilarious and witty perspective on the everyday life as mother and daughter. They speak about their lives separate and together, in their latest, I’VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES.
Their joint humorous collection of short stories are full of wit and wisdom, and a must for your summer beach bag!
They see themselves as normal and ordinary and their hope is that readers will see more of their own individual lives and families reflected in the stories they share. (except they say, hopefully behave better).
Each summer they take a road trip (book tour) though the Hamptons, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and this year expanding to Virginia Beach and Cape Cod. They love summer and bring a little spice, to readers—helping women ease off the gas emotionally. Mental flip-flops. More laughter. Life unplugged. The beach! Of course, I live at the beach, so it is summer year round!
As with "sand", they reiterate; do not let it bother you. It’s a sprinkling of a summertime mood. A gritty little reminder of summer. The mother-daughter duo, provide "laugh out loud" funny moments. From Does this Beach Make Me Look Fat, this series brings a look at life’s topics told with honesty, humor, wit, and lots of sarcasm.
Timing with the July launch date, the book will find its way into the hands of women of all ages across American while on summer vacation. Even though they discuss in detail the different months of the year (not just summer). A year in their lives, both good and bad. From holidays to the everyday daily routines.
No subject is off limits. From pets, children, family, dating, aging, diet, spandex, time, calories, social security, dogs, celebrities, doormen, and many of life’s moments, both light and dark. From city life to suburbia.
Turning sixty, birthdays, gardens, golf, middle age, sex, clothes, writing, health, hair, food, aging, time, politics, holidays, books, panic attacks, post-menopausal parties, and my favorite: Middle age: The new term for sixty-year-olds (since I am in this bracket). Seventy is the new twenty. (love it)
With the span of ages, women get chick-lit advice from travel, family, to everyday living. Short and sassy chapters, light-hearted anecdotes full of emotion. From young and contemporary to experienced and mature viewpoints- a multi-generational range. Loved the mother daughter banter, since I have sons.
Having read many of talented Lisa Scottoline’s fictional books for years, this is my first non-fictional read by mother-daughter duo. I enjoyed the personal side of these talented women for an easy warm-hearted breezy summer escape!
I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by the two authors - FUN, FUN!
JDCMustReadBooks
Join Me July 14 Blog Tour Host Celebrate the launch, read an excerpt, and get all the latest updates!
The seventh in the series, Lisa Scottoline and daughter, Francesca Serritella have teamed up to bring their hilarious and witty perspective on the everyday life as mother and daughter. They speak about their lives separate and together, in their latest, I’VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES.
Their joint humorous collection of short stories are full of wit and wisdom, and a must for your summer beach bag!
They see themselves as normal and ordinary and their hope is that readers will see more of their own individual lives and families reflected in the stories they share. (except they say, hopefully behave better).
Each summer they take a road trip (book tour) though the Hamptons, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and this year expanding to Virginia Beach and Cape Cod. They love summer and bring a little spice, to readers—helping women ease off the gas emotionally. Mental flip-flops. More laughter. Life unplugged. The beach! Of course, I live at the beach, so it is summer year round!
As with "sand", they reiterate; do not let it bother you. It’s a sprinkling of a summertime mood. A gritty little reminder of summer. The mother-daughter duo, provide "laugh out loud" funny moments. From Does this Beach Make Me Look Fat, this series brings a look at life’s topics told with honesty, humor, wit, and lots of sarcasm.
Timing with the July launch date, the book will find its way into the hands of women of all ages across American while on summer vacation. Even though they discuss in detail the different months of the year (not just summer). A year in their lives, both good and bad. From holidays to the everyday daily routines.
No subject is off limits. From pets, children, family, dating, aging, diet, spandex, time, calories, social security, dogs, celebrities, doormen, and many of life’s moments, both light and dark. From city life to suburbia.
Turning sixty, birthdays, gardens, golf, middle age, sex, clothes, writing, health, hair, food, aging, time, politics, holidays, books, panic attacks, post-menopausal parties, and my favorite: Middle age: The new term for sixty-year-olds (since I am in this bracket). Seventy is the new twenty. (love it)
With the span of ages, women get chick-lit advice from travel, family, to everyday living. Short and sassy chapters, light-hearted anecdotes full of emotion. From young and contemporary to experienced and mature viewpoints- a multi-generational range. Loved the mother daughter banter, since I have sons.
Having read many of talented Lisa Scottoline’s fictional books for years, this is my first non-fictional read by mother-daughter duo. I enjoyed the personal side of these talented women for an easy warm-hearted breezy summer escape!
I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by the two authors - FUN, FUN!
JDCMustReadBooks
June 17, 2016
One of the best parts of being a librarian are some of the perks I’ve discovered along the way. As a long time bookseller (close to 16 years; shameless plug – I owe my education and my career path to Barnes & Noble. More of that another time, but BN – seriously? Thank you.) I was familiar with ARCs – Advanced Reader Copies – of books. I’ve been gifted with a few from some of my favorite authors – Jodi Picoult, Dean Koontz, Claire Cook, not to mention many others. I’ve even got an original ARC of a little known book by Stephenie Meyer called Twilight – maybe you've heard of it, by chance? As I dropped back my hours bookselling to fulfill my new full-time career, I found less and less chances to obtain ARC treasures. Until I read about Net Galley one day. Net Galley is an opportunity for me to read ARC e-versions of many upcoming books for free. The “cost” is in order to keep on being gifted with free ebooks, I need to write a (hopefully favorable) review online and share it – through Amazon, GoodReads, blogging, websites, etc. At first it was just great fun – I started requesting and receiving many books. Some were really good, others, not so much. But I also discovered the more I read and reviewed the more perks came at me. Like auto-approval from certain publishers. Again, at first, it was just from publishers who really just wanted to get their books circulating. But one day a major publisher put me on their auto-approved list and more choices opened up to me, and a few more publishers added auto-approval to my profile. Recently I saw a book advertised that looked like a good read from St. Martin’s Press; ”I’ve got Sand in All the Wrong Places” by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella, a dynamic mother and daughter writing team. I’ve read a few of Lisa’s books but was essentially clueless about the weekly column she and her daughter write. I’ve become an instant fan.
"I’ve Got Sand in All the Wrong Places" is one of the best books I have read in a while. I loved it from the first page and found myself laughing out loud throughout the whole thing. As adult women in the 21st century, we all essentially have the same cares and concerns about life and living – growing older, dealing with curve-balls, both big and small. Lisa and Francesca offer light-hearted words of wisdom, and their down-to-earth wit prove that life can be taken much too seriously.
There is one chapter with a more serious note; Francesca shares the story of a brutal physical attack. Her vivacious nature allow her to share that story and her ongoing recovery as a victim of a terrible crime. It’s a healing process, and although Francesca and her mother are not certain she will continue to live life as guileless as before her attack, she perseveres and forges on, sharing her story and not allowing herself to fall prey to becoming a cowering victim of fate. I found this inspiring, and I also found (past that chapter) her outlook on life wonderfully refreshing. She continues to move on. That is what this book is about; moving on each day. As women we can either give in to calamitous doom, or we pull on our big-girl panties and continue on with forward momentum. I say Good for you, Lisa and Francesca. Thank you so much for the gift of this wonderful book!
"I’ve Got Sand in All the Wrong Places" is one of the best books I have read in a while. I loved it from the first page and found myself laughing out loud throughout the whole thing. As adult women in the 21st century, we all essentially have the same cares and concerns about life and living – growing older, dealing with curve-balls, both big and small. Lisa and Francesca offer light-hearted words of wisdom, and their down-to-earth wit prove that life can be taken much too seriously.
There is one chapter with a more serious note; Francesca shares the story of a brutal physical attack. Her vivacious nature allow her to share that story and her ongoing recovery as a victim of a terrible crime. It’s a healing process, and although Francesca and her mother are not certain she will continue to live life as guileless as before her attack, she perseveres and forges on, sharing her story and not allowing herself to fall prey to becoming a cowering victim of fate. I found this inspiring, and I also found (past that chapter) her outlook on life wonderfully refreshing. She continues to move on. That is what this book is about; moving on each day. As women we can either give in to calamitous doom, or we pull on our big-girl panties and continue on with forward momentum. I say Good for you, Lisa and Francesca. Thank you so much for the gift of this wonderful book!
July 2, 2016
Disclosure: I received this book as an ARC from The Reading Room in exchange for a fair review.
I requested this ARC based entirely on the title. It made me chuckle so I reasoned that the book would also make me chuckle. Unfortunately, I was wrong. This just wasn't my kind of book.
Lisa Scottoline is an established writer of both fiction and non-fiction (haven't read any of her stuff until now). This book is part of her non-fiction collection and follows the same format as her previous books (according to my research). It is a series of short (3-5 pages) vignettes from her everyday life on every topic - divorce, pets, getting older, etc. This book also includes vignettes written by her daughter Francesca and it chronicles one year in their collective lives.
The writing is ok, but the stories felt forced to me and most of the "humor" made me groan instead of laugh out loud.
I requested this ARC based entirely on the title. It made me chuckle so I reasoned that the book would also make me chuckle. Unfortunately, I was wrong. This just wasn't my kind of book.
Lisa Scottoline is an established writer of both fiction and non-fiction (haven't read any of her stuff until now). This book is part of her non-fiction collection and follows the same format as her previous books (according to my research). It is a series of short (3-5 pages) vignettes from her everyday life on every topic - divorce, pets, getting older, etc. This book also includes vignettes written by her daughter Francesca and it chronicles one year in their collective lives.
The writing is ok, but the stories felt forced to me and most of the "humor" made me groan instead of laugh out loud.
July 7, 2016
I have read and enjoyed novels by Lisa Scottoline so when offered this collection of stories I thought I would give it a try. I did not realize that what the “stories” would be were actually more of a blog or diary of events in Lisa and her daughter’s lives. I guess I was expecting “stories” or more of a story than a diary/blog format.
I skimmed parts of the book but did not read it cover to cover. There were some lighthearted moments, an attack, some thoughts and words of wisdom. But, this is not what I was expecting and perhaps not what I was in the mood to read today. Another reviewer said it would be a good book to read on the beach or when traveling in a plane…maybe it would be. For me…probably not, though. It was not a book I enjoyed BUT if you are looking for a book to take you into the lives of Lisa and her daughter then by all means pick it up and enjoy a peek into their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I skimmed parts of the book but did not read it cover to cover. There were some lighthearted moments, an attack, some thoughts and words of wisdom. But, this is not what I was expecting and perhaps not what I was in the mood to read today. Another reviewer said it would be a good book to read on the beach or when traveling in a plane…maybe it would be. For me…probably not, though. It was not a book I enjoyed BUT if you are looking for a book to take you into the lives of Lisa and her daughter then by all means pick it up and enjoy a peek into their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2016
Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella are adept at humor, as exemplified in this book, the latest in a series of such collections that offer up short and witty vignettes on a variety of topics.
They bring us right into the thick of it all, as they alternately share anecdotal incidents from their lives, mostly about all the daily things everyone experiences, but also spiced with their take on clothes; their unique book signings; gardening, especially fantasies about the perfect garden; food and metabolism; life with dogs; friendships; and romantic relationships, to name a few.
Lisa is famous for her labeling of her two ex-husbands as Thing One and Thing Two. Thing One has redeeming social value: he is Francesca’s father, whereas Thing Two barely gets a mention.
Francesca shares a frightening assault she experienced, and walked us through how she healed from it, while still acknowledging that she relives it at times. Her writing about her relationships, her dogs, and her single life in Manhattan help us see her perspective on a variety of issues, including her connection to her mother, and the importance of that connection in getting through life’s challenges.
Another topic many of us “people pleasers” can relate to is how to say no and how to do it without guilt. Lisa shares how she came to a realization that trying to make everybody happy was not a good thing for her own life.
“It took me fifty years to figure out what I was doing wrong, and how to fix it. I started saying no, and the world did not end. Then I kept saying no, and it got easier and easier.
“It takes practice….and I taught myself that every time I said no to someone else, I was saying yes to myself….I started living—my own life.”
I loved the section on The Empty Nest, and how Lisa dealt with it as a celebration, which does not in any way negate how much she loves and enjoys her daughter. But being able to own your day, without having responsibility for another human being under your roof, is a freedom unmatched by any other kind. She describes how her world is rocked a little when her daughter comes to visit, though, and that they get into little conversations about “why is the TV on CNN” all the time, or why are there closed captions? I got a giggle out of this one, as I love having the captions on, too, not because I can’t hear, but so I can mute the TV and still glance up to see what is going on. When I am reading or working, the TV, with captions, is muted and is like a backdrop to my other activities.
I thoroughly enjoy these chats with the authors, which make me feel as though I know them and that I’m joining them for coffee…or a drink. So I can’t wait for the next installment. 5 stars.
They bring us right into the thick of it all, as they alternately share anecdotal incidents from their lives, mostly about all the daily things everyone experiences, but also spiced with their take on clothes; their unique book signings; gardening, especially fantasies about the perfect garden; food and metabolism; life with dogs; friendships; and romantic relationships, to name a few.
Lisa is famous for her labeling of her two ex-husbands as Thing One and Thing Two. Thing One has redeeming social value: he is Francesca’s father, whereas Thing Two barely gets a mention.
Francesca shares a frightening assault she experienced, and walked us through how she healed from it, while still acknowledging that she relives it at times. Her writing about her relationships, her dogs, and her single life in Manhattan help us see her perspective on a variety of issues, including her connection to her mother, and the importance of that connection in getting through life’s challenges.
Another topic many of us “people pleasers” can relate to is how to say no and how to do it without guilt. Lisa shares how she came to a realization that trying to make everybody happy was not a good thing for her own life.
“It took me fifty years to figure out what I was doing wrong, and how to fix it. I started saying no, and the world did not end. Then I kept saying no, and it got easier and easier.
“It takes practice….and I taught myself that every time I said no to someone else, I was saying yes to myself….I started living—my own life.”
I loved the section on The Empty Nest, and how Lisa dealt with it as a celebration, which does not in any way negate how much she loves and enjoys her daughter. But being able to own your day, without having responsibility for another human being under your roof, is a freedom unmatched by any other kind. She describes how her world is rocked a little when her daughter comes to visit, though, and that they get into little conversations about “why is the TV on CNN” all the time, or why are there closed captions? I got a giggle out of this one, as I love having the captions on, too, not because I can’t hear, but so I can mute the TV and still glance up to see what is going on. When I am reading or working, the TV, with captions, is muted and is like a backdrop to my other activities.
I thoroughly enjoy these chats with the authors, which make me feel as though I know them and that I’m joining them for coffee…or a drink. So I can’t wait for the next installment. 5 stars.
May 29, 2016
A big thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for my free Giveaway/Early Reader's Edition! This book was the perfect read for a long weekend spent at the beach. Don't be fooled though: where many of the short chapters are the traditional lighthearted and breezy vignettes of the authors' previous co-written books, bits of gravitas are sprinkled throughout for moments of reflection. Both women have a few serious chapters- one of "Daughter Francesca"'s made me tear up- but the overall tone of the book is fast-paced, refreshing, and witty. Full of fantastic wordplay and written with a style that makes you wish you were friends with both women, the book was an enjoyable and highly-recommended read!
October 22, 2016
A great book to read one chapter at a time over my morning coffee. Took a while to read it, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Read
October 30, 2017I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
Although not anything that I would typically purchase, I enjoyed having this book by my bedside. It's perfect for picking up when you have a few minutes. The stories are all short, quick, easy reads. I think it's great to have two authors from different generations. It really makes the book accessible to a wide audience. As you age and stop relating to Francesca's stories as much, you may begin to relate more to Lisa's. The stories were interesting enough to keep me reading, but I couldn't help but think that some of the conclusions that they come to at the end of each story aren't quite as profound as the authors seem to think. All said, I would read another in the series and may look into Lisa's novels.
Although not anything that I would typically purchase, I enjoyed having this book by my bedside. It's perfect for picking up when you have a few minutes. The stories are all short, quick, easy reads. I think it's great to have two authors from different generations. It really makes the book accessible to a wide audience. As you age and stop relating to Francesca's stories as much, you may begin to relate more to Lisa's. The stories were interesting enough to keep me reading, but I couldn't help but think that some of the conclusions that they come to at the end of each story aren't quite as profound as the authors seem to think. All said, I would read another in the series and may look into Lisa's novels.
October 17, 2020
Some real gems in this collection, both in humor and in serious topics. Special kudos to Francesca for the essay on feminism. Interesting, insightful, funny, and warm, it's like listening to a couple of friends chatting. Lisa's delivery is more enthusiastic than Francesca's but both do a very credible job.
June 9, 2017
Cute, light, easy read. This is a good one for anyone who is 50+ and has a daughter who is 20+. The mother/daughter team take turns on the short chapters relating stories about life and lessons learned.
December 30, 2017
This is the third audio I've listened to by this mother daughter duo and I have found that I simply love their quick little heartfelt stories about life in general. They are a great way to be entertained on my commute to and from work. I'll be listening to some of the ones I've missed in 2018.
June 27, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book, which is the only way to read it :-)
It is narrated by the authors themselves, who are very very funny!
It is narrated by the authors themselves, who are very very funny!
July 23, 2018
Love Lisa's books!!!!
November 27, 2018
This memoir was terrible. “Tried too hard”to be funny and it was mostly just boring.
February 4, 2020
These books are so enjoyable. So down to earth. Some of it is hard to read because it's so true to life and sometimes life stinks. It's nice to know you're not the only one with a crazy life!
September 2, 2024
A fun audio book to listen to
July 1, 2016
5/5--excellent-- gifted from the publisher, which had absolutely no bearing on my honest opinion.
*****
I'm a long-time reader-- and lover-- of Ms. Scottoline's legal suspense and family-dynamics contemporary fiction, plus her humorous essay books, over the years, so it was a no-brainer to accept the offer from her publisher to read this arc print copy of I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places. Despite the beachy title, the essays cover their year from Christmas onward. I realized from reading this essay-filled memoir (written by Scottoline and her grown daughter Francesca) that they write a book timed to release in the summer of each year. That made me think back to last year's joint book offering, "Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?" which I remember enjoying very much. These books release in the summer to be the perfect "beach read" because each chapter, written in turns by either Lisa or Francesca, are essentially short-short ruminations about... life. Both women are so naturally funny, and I am always so surprised by this because Lisa's other books are written about serious topics.
Remember when Jerry Seinfeld said that Seinfeld was a show about "nothing"? Well, I'm not insinuating that this book is about "nothing", but I mean it in the best of ways when I compare it to Seinfeld; it's just little glimpses into someone's daily life. It's sometimes as frivolous as Lisa shopping for new lawn chairs because her posse of dogs "hog" her yard chairs, or as emotional as Francesca sharing details of her violent mugging incident one night in NYC. If you've read their previous books-- as I have-- you nod your head when Lisa discusses her larger-than-life, Italian-American mother Mary, who passed last year, as if you actually knew her. But even if you haven't, you'll have a few fun, breezy hours reading this book straight through, or just picking it up poolside/dockside and randomly thumbing through. It's a great paperback to throw in your bag and take with you (because true bibliophiles never travel without a book).
My thoughts on this book were not because I was offered the book for review. My thoughts were because Lisa & Francesca are generous enough to share a peek into their lives: the good, the bad and the humorous, and we the readers benefit from it. I really needed a book like this right about now (!), and it made me smile & chuckle during a long, hot summer evening... and that's why I am recommending it to you... and telling my sister-in-law about it... because she also could use a few hours of chuckling right about now. (and you might, too)
*****
I'm a long-time reader-- and lover-- of Ms. Scottoline's legal suspense and family-dynamics contemporary fiction, plus her humorous essay books, over the years, so it was a no-brainer to accept the offer from her publisher to read this arc print copy of I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places. Despite the beachy title, the essays cover their year from Christmas onward. I realized from reading this essay-filled memoir (written by Scottoline and her grown daughter Francesca) that they write a book timed to release in the summer of each year. That made me think back to last year's joint book offering, "Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?" which I remember enjoying very much. These books release in the summer to be the perfect "beach read" because each chapter, written in turns by either Lisa or Francesca, are essentially short-short ruminations about... life. Both women are so naturally funny, and I am always so surprised by this because Lisa's other books are written about serious topics.
Remember when Jerry Seinfeld said that Seinfeld was a show about "nothing"? Well, I'm not insinuating that this book is about "nothing", but I mean it in the best of ways when I compare it to Seinfeld; it's just little glimpses into someone's daily life. It's sometimes as frivolous as Lisa shopping for new lawn chairs because her posse of dogs "hog" her yard chairs, or as emotional as Francesca sharing details of her violent mugging incident one night in NYC. If you've read their previous books-- as I have-- you nod your head when Lisa discusses her larger-than-life, Italian-American mother Mary, who passed last year, as if you actually knew her. But even if you haven't, you'll have a few fun, breezy hours reading this book straight through, or just picking it up poolside/dockside and randomly thumbing through. It's a great paperback to throw in your bag and take with you (because true bibliophiles never travel without a book).
My thoughts on this book were not because I was offered the book for review. My thoughts were because Lisa & Francesca are generous enough to share a peek into their lives: the good, the bad and the humorous, and we the readers benefit from it. I really needed a book like this right about now (!), and it made me smile & chuckle during a long, hot summer evening... and that's why I am recommending it to you... and telling my sister-in-law about it... because she also could use a few hours of chuckling right about now. (and you might, too)
July 19, 2016
St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places, in exchange for an honest review.
Seventh in a series of nonfiction humor books written by the mother and daughter team of Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella, I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is full of the authors funny observations on life. I have been a loyal reader of Lisa Scottoline's novels for years and this book shows a whole different side to the author. I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is a very personal look at the lives of mother and daughter, in regards to how they interact with each other and the world at large.
I am not sure I would call this book an amazing adventure, but the journey was mostly lighthearted and fun to read. Touching very briefly on a serious subject that is personal to Francesca is an exception, but does show the love between the two writers. Kind of random, I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is a good read to pick up and put down at when the mood strikes. I would recommend this book to readers of Lisa Scottoline, as it illustrates a personal side of the author. I would also recommend I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places to readers who are looking for a nonfiction beach read or a book that can be easily put down.
Seventh in a series of nonfiction humor books written by the mother and daughter team of Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella, I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is full of the authors funny observations on life. I have been a loyal reader of Lisa Scottoline's novels for years and this book shows a whole different side to the author. I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is a very personal look at the lives of mother and daughter, in regards to how they interact with each other and the world at large.
I am not sure I would call this book an amazing adventure, but the journey was mostly lighthearted and fun to read. Touching very briefly on a serious subject that is personal to Francesca is an exception, but does show the love between the two writers. Kind of random, I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places is a good read to pick up and put down at when the mood strikes. I would recommend this book to readers of Lisa Scottoline, as it illustrates a personal side of the author. I would also recommend I've Got Sand In All the Wrong Places to readers who are looking for a nonfiction beach read or a book that can be easily put down.
April 20, 2016
Half memoir, half a collection of essays, this was heart-warming and comedic.
I hadn't read the books that come before this so I wasn't sure what I was expecting at all, but this is a fabulous book to pick up whimsically--the only context you need to know is that Lisa is Francesca's mother, so you don't figure that out a third of the way through and feel like an idiot as I did.
Though this is marketed more towards mother, I enjoyed it though I'm in my early twenties with no intention of ever having kids. There were still a lot of relatable experiences about growing old, about friendship, and about maintaining relationships with various people in your life.
I did enjoy Francesca's dating scenes the most of the book, but it would be quite easy to pick and choose any sections that appeal. From dealing with the aftermath of assault to making butternut squash soup, there's a bit of everything in here.
Though I normally prefer straight up memoirs when going for non-fiction, this essay collection was delightful and I recommend picking it up to anyone looking for something light, funny, and touching.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn't read the books that come before this so I wasn't sure what I was expecting at all, but this is a fabulous book to pick up whimsically--the only context you need to know is that Lisa is Francesca's mother, so you don't figure that out a third of the way through and feel like an idiot as I did.
Though this is marketed more towards mother, I enjoyed it though I'm in my early twenties with no intention of ever having kids. There were still a lot of relatable experiences about growing old, about friendship, and about maintaining relationships with various people in your life.
I did enjoy Francesca's dating scenes the most of the book, but it would be quite easy to pick and choose any sections that appeal. From dealing with the aftermath of assault to making butternut squash soup, there's a bit of everything in here.
Though I normally prefer straight up memoirs when going for non-fiction, this essay collection was delightful and I recommend picking it up to anyone looking for something light, funny, and touching.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
It's clear the authors (mother and daughter) are lovely people and both write in a warm, funny, touching or thought provoking way. I enjoyed a lot of this book. The only thing I disliked was the disjointedness of it. I don't follow either of these authors so I don't know if these are a collection of op-ed pieces or reprints from their Facebook fan pages but that's what the book seemed to be to me. It certainly wasn't beach themed or all humor which I had imagined from the cover. It seemed like a collection of articles on everything from pets to friends to a mugging to....I can't even remember and I finished it two days ago. In other words, interesting enough at the time but not life changing stuff.
But really well written.
But really well written.
July 12, 2016
I loved the tales told by this humorous mother & daughter team. If your looking for a light & fun read... This one is for you. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an ARC in return for an unbiased review. A special thanks to, Jordan Hanley. This was one fun read!!! A definite beach read. Thank you, Lisa & Francesca, for making me smile with these stories. This is a great summer read to take along in your beach bag. It's actually a pretty fun read any time of year. I highly recommend it!!!
May 25, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I have read and enjoyed a lot of Lisa Scottoline's books, however, I had never read a book by this great mother/daughter duo before. I really had a good time reading this book. It was written like short stories and I enjoyed the conversational style. I laughed a lot! I highly recommend this for an easy, light-hearted read.
August 21, 2016
As always, I really enjoyed reading this mother-daughter author duo. They made me laugh and nod my head multiple times, but also thank God for family. If you need a pick-me-up, this book will do it.
October 14, 2016
This is the second book of Lisa Scottline's essays that I've read. Entertaining. Apparently she has done seven of these with her daughter.
Very entertaining. Her daughter is pretty gutsy when she discusses her mugging and deciding her purse is not worth dying over. Life in the big city.
Very entertaining. Her daughter is pretty gutsy when she discusses her mugging and deciding her purse is not worth dying over. Life in the big city.
September 3, 2018
Overall, I liked this book. Most of the stories were funny, and those were the ones that I liked. The garden/gardening, home improvement, and golf stories were my favorites. There were a few sad stories, too, but I didn't like those.
August 23, 2016
Amusing shorts tales from mother and daughter, love all ofLisa's books!
July 12, 2016
I love those two! Everyone needs a mother or daughter like them.
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