My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space--The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman

September 27, 2010
Scottoline, a single mom and author of 17 New York Times bestselling novels, also writes for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where her "Chick Wit" column appears on Sundays and is occasionally written by her daughter Francesca. It has also served as fodder for two books, last year's Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog, and this one, which contains 70 more essays that are by turns rueful, uplifting, sweet, kooky—and always amusing. Fans of her mystery and suspense fare will enjoy the opportunity for another warts-and-all peek into the author's daily life, including musings on what it's like to live (and sleep) with five dogs, an addiction to sunflower seeds, and fruitless yet hilarious attempts to communicate with her non sequitur–loving mother. Mother Mary, a spirited octogenarian, gets lots of ink, and rightly so: she's been an important role model for Scottoline and granddaughter. Francesca's writing complements her mother's, particularly in essays like "I Don't" and "Deadhead," in which the former reveals her fascination with the weddings section of the newspaper, the latter, the obituaries. Family photos add to the fun, as does the authors' focus on enjoying life, whether via the delights of a newly empty nest or remembering that, when it comes to women, "Our strength, our wit, and our hearts are more powerful than anybody ever could have imagined." It's a funny, uplifting read for women of any generation.

Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca have proven themselves to be naturals at both writing and narrating humorous essays. This audio performance amply demonstrates their snappy, unaffected style as they deliver the themes of love, strength, and family connectedness in a delightfully witty fashion. The overall feel is of a conversation with friends whose accounts of zany relatives and situations may be unique in detail but are recognizable for anyone with a family. The appeal is universal, although mothers, daughters, and empty-nesters may find added resonance. Both Scottolines display appealing literary and actual voices in a brisk presentation featuring self-deprecating humor and barely suppressed laughter that is just plain fun. M.O.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 1, 2011
Edgar Award-winning novelist Scottoline (scottoline.com), whose previous nonfiction work, "Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog"(2009), was informed by her weekly "Chick Wit" column for the "Philadelphia Inquirer" here teams up with daughter Francesca in a sequel brimming with Scottoline's trademark humor, frankness, and self-deprecation. The brief vignettes are well paced and touch on universal themes that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether the topic is aging, dogs, house cleaning, family secrets, or buying a larger TV, listening to the book is like sitting with an old friend telling stories—you don't want the night to end and you want to be invited back again. Highly recommended for all audiences. [Includes a bonus interview with the author; see Prepub Exploded, "BookSmack!"6/3/10.—Ed.]—Joyce Kessel, Villa Maria Coll., Buffalo

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.