This is the second book by this mother and daughter team that I've read. Comprised of short anecdotes or commentary, it makes perfect beach or commuter read. The two cover every subject under the sun that might be of interest to American women of the mainstream: there's aging, and being a thirty-something, sports, the election (their hope was painful to read in retrospect), and the dream of owning a white picket fence. While aware of the status of 'white picket fence' in American lore.
But they also explore the inexplicables of modern life: owning an iPhone, nude dining (yes, apparently it's a thing), when to wear a bra and when not to bother, dieting, dog ownership, the excruciating "games" at bridal showers, weird stuff you find on the Internet, and the etiquette of Twitter. Male birth control. Weird super foods, and how big butts are supposed to be a sign of longevity. Some of these will cause a snicker, at least they did for me.
Here and there you get a glimpse of the writing life, which I enjoyed even though my process couldn't be more different (Lisa likes the sound of the TV running, which would drive me insane), and between the snickers there are thoughtful anecdotes, and one lovely one about taking the summer ferry to Ellis Island.
Mostly, though, it's quick reads aimed unapologetically at a female audience. Odd ducks as we all are, or feel ourselves to be (I cringed in sympathy at the one about attending a big publisher party, at which you know no one), there is a solidarity in fellow-feel.
Copy provided by NetGalley