Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat? True Stories and Confessions

In this collection of episodic essays, mother and daughter take turns writing about topics of interest to them.

I only picked up this book because my book club was doing a 'choose-your-own Lisa Scottoline title' thing this month, and I was looking for something short as I was pressed for time. This book's title was humorous so that caught my eye, although it turns out that it had nothing to do with the essays enclosed. Also, apparently "True Stories and Confessions" is not just a subtitle, but an indicator that this book is part of a loose series, although it didn't seem to be strictly necessary to have readany other titles to get this one.

The essays follow no thematic content and are just whatever ramblings the authors have on their show more mind at the moment of writing. For Lisa, this seems to primarily be some whinging about how everything is different than it used to be (e.g., why does her bike have 10 speeds? why does the phone have so many apps?) and an ongoing, not-actually-funny 'joke' about how cute she thinks Bradley Cooper is. For Francesca, it's typically about how dating as a 20-something is difficult and how going to the gym isn't fun. Insert eye roll here. In theory, these are supposed to be funny, but they came off as more than a little self-indulgent.

Both authors do talk briefly about the death of their mother/grandmother and how that grief affected them in some touching stories. However, those were few and far between and on the whole the book is pure fluff and drivel. I don't see how this would have been published if Lisa Scottoline weren't already a best-selling author.

That all being said, obviously there is an audience for these books as there's a whole series of them and they have some pretty high ratings here on LibraryThing. That audience simply isn't me.

For the audiobook reader, the two authors read their own pieces, which is nice. There's also an interview with the two of them together, talking about their process and relationship, which is fun added bonus (especially if you are actually really into this series). show less

I am absolutely amazed by how closely I can relate to these authors. This collection of humorous essays made me chuckle often and tear up occasionally. I have read quite a few of Lisa Scottoline's books and have even stood in line to have her sign my book exactly twice. Both of these authors have a phenomenal sense of humor.

If you are looking for a book with a plot, this isn't that kind of book. This a collection of very short stories that share a few observations and give you just a peek into their world. This is the perfect book to read just a bit at a time. Each story takes just a few minutes and can put a smile on your face almost instantly. I actually think that this would be the perfect book to load on a smart phone and read show more anytime you find yourself waiting somewhere.

I could relate to both author's writing almost equally. I have been out of the dating scene for a while and although I may sometimes think fondly of that time, this book reminded me that it really wasn't all that much fun. When they talked about Mother Mary's hospice care, I couldn't help but tear up but not because the story was told in a depressing manner. They both talked about that time in such an honest and realistic manner that it brought back a lot of memories and I like to remember so that's a good thing.

Most of the book is a light and fun. I would bet that most women will find something to relate to in this book because they hit on a wide range of subjects. This book talks about friends, diets, movies, dogs, cats, Bradley Cooper, boyfriends, fitbits, subways, ponies, and a whole list of other topics. There were even a few pictures that helped bring the story to life. I love pictures. There were sections of the book that I read aloud to my husband - not because he cares about what I am reading but I just loved what was being said so much that I felt like I had to share it with someone and he was available.

I would highly recommend this book to others. I have read a lot of Lisa Scottoline's work but only one other humorous novel which I also enjoyed. I plan to work my way through the rest of these books soon and hope that there are a lot more to come in the future.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review. show less

I received an early copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.

I have never read either of these authors before and I was happy to receive this book. It sounded cute, ofcourse it sounded cute with a title like that :)

This is almost like a compilation of funny essays. Instead of traditional chapters in a larger story, this book tells lots of individual short stories. The stories are either told by Francesca (the daughter) or Lisa.

I found these two totally sincere, funny, entertaining women. I enjoyed their stories. They refer to this book series several times throughout the book and I can say that even if this is the first book by them you will feel like you understand them without any previous context.

I have a feeling we'd get to know show more Mother Mary a good deal better in previous stories, but I still felt like I knew these new (to me) characters.

It was a quick read, an easy read, the kind of book you can enjoy and then share with your own mom (or daughter).

I'd definitely read another book from this series. show less

This collection of stories from the Scottoline’s (mother and daughter team) is humorous as they individually explain their lives and observations in a lighthearted tone. I have always enjoy Lisa’s column in the paper and she tells about being a middle aged woman brings a smile to me. Her daughter’s Francesca’s take on dating and living in NYC city is also funny. Together they make a great team. I appreciated these little glimpses into their lives.

The new collection by Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella has become a welcome addition to my reading pile every year. Culled from their column in a Philadelphia paper, I live way too far away to see them in newsprint and have never explored looking it up online. I prefer to wait for the book every year and as usual, I wasn't disappointed. I have been watching Francesca navigate NYC, watching Lisa return to bike riding and watching them both handle the vagaries of life with charm and wit. Whether you're an animal lover or a family lover, these stories always hit home with a smile.

Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat? by a bestselling mother and daughter duo, Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella, sounds off on everything you can imagine, and it had me hooting with laughter in minutes. I had read novels in Lisa Scottoline’s bestselling Rosato & DiNunzio mystery/thriller series. I had also heard her speak at a book festival, so I knew she had a fun sense of humor. This collection of essays shows that her daughter inherited that trait along with some mad writing skills. If you’re a woman looking for a book to take along on vacation that can be read in snippets as you have time, and one that will tickle your funny bone, this just might be the one you’re looking for. Find out more at show more target="_top">http://popcornreads.com/?p=8433. show less

Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Fransesca have combined well to write this rib-tickling memoir - the sixth in a series. If you've read the first five I need hardly tell you how great this book is and if you've not, now's the time to start.

Since I'm around Lisa's age I could relate really well to her hilarious stories in a 'been there done that' kind of way. However, I could also nod knowingly at Fransesca's stories.

The mother/daughter duo have come up with another winner and this book will make a great addition to your summer reading.