Review: I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places

Summary: 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. -- St. Martin's Press

My reading time has definitely taken a hit this summer. Normally, I get a ton of books read during our weekly beach vacation, but this year, we hit Orlando so I got nothing read except one book on the plane ride. I've also found that I've been really distracted these past few months, and very few books have held my interest. That's why I needed a book like I'VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella.

I'VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES is a collection of humorous essays by mother/daughter duo Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella. This is their seventh book together so you know these books must be successful and well-loved. They are a great mix of funny life stories, insightful social commentary, and even touching and heartfelt stories about family and friendship. I think the essays were especially appealing to me because I could read a few at a time without having to focus for too long -- isn't that a pitiful thing to say for a book blogger?

I enjoyed I'VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES quite a bit. I found myself nodding in agreement with their essays, and I even laughed out loud quite a few times. I don't want to give too much away, but there is one story titled "Not a Creatures was Stirring" that is absolutely hilarious in a very gross way. I was actually reading this one during a visit to the doctor's office, and I couldn't stop laughing. I'm sure the other patients thought I was absolutely crazy!

As is the case with any collection of essays, there are some that resonated with me more than others. I am actually between these two women in age, but I think I related to Ms. Scottoline's stories about aging a bit more than her daughter's story about single life in New York. Ms. Scottoline has decided that comfort is now more important than appearance, and I found her tales about soft clothes and going braless to be hilarious!

That's not to say that I didn't enjoy Ms. Serritella's stories. She goes into detail about the time she was the victim of an attack, and I loved her honesty and courage... and her mother's reaction! Needless to say, there wasn't a whole heck of a lot of humor in these parts; however, they were exactly what I've come to expect from these books. These books reflect life, both the good and the bad; and I love how these two smart and funny women share so much of their lives with readers.

I'VE GOT SAND IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES is a very entertaining book that's perfect for summer reading. Highly recommended to fans of Ms. Scottoline and Ms. Serritella as well as readers who appreciate humorous essays.

Thanks to Trident Media Group and the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
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