Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?: True Stories and Confessions by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

I’ll admit it, my initial interest in this collection of stories was based solely on the title. How could it not be? I’m weak! I’m sarcastic! I love it! Nothing says humour quite like “Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?”–I was chuckling all day after reading the title for the first time and promptly requested a copy.

Fortunately the humour inside the book matched the title and perhaps put it to shame at times. There were very few misses in it and when there are, it’s easy to overlook it for the rest of its pages.

It’s just that it’s a very humorous read with a massive heart. It’s quirky, it’s warm, it’s observant, it’s a delight and it’s easy to slip into and out of if you are short on time. In all the topics we touch, there’s a certain level of honesty that balances out the humour which is always a massive plus and it’s interesting to see how they put their emotions into each thought.


Each essay is crafted simply and the prose is often just so fun and dreamy that you can’t help but to smile or nod along. This isn’t all there is to it, but it’s something that is so heavily featured that I want to kind of emphasize this.

Readers will certainly find something relatable about it by the time they finish it. Even if they don’t enjoy it as much as others have, there’s still going to be something–even the smallest thing–that will make them say, “I feel you.”

By the time I was finished, I was just grinning stupidly and feeling light and alive. I would go into details about the stories within it, what each one was about and what it meant to me, but because each essay is so short I’m afraid of spoiling too much for you lot.

I think it’s much better if you find out all on your own while you read along. And then we can discuss. Sound good, readers?

So grab your copy, pour/pick up a drink, hit the beach and take in some sun while you devour this one. It’s the perfect relaxation read for anyone and any location; you’ll thank me later.

Trust me.

Each short story/essay brings a sense of humor and mind in the world that we live in. It’s thoughtful, realistic and giggle inducing; a wonderful combination and the perfect read if you have been in a bit of a slump and need something to get over a book hangover with.

It really was so simple for me to read this one in such a small window of time because the way it all flowed was just a blast that you kind of had to continue reading.

I found myself discussing this release with my best friend over a glass of wine on our weekly Skype hangouts. Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat is the ultimate experience for giggly friendships and is a must-have for humourous discussions; you should share with your best friends or sisters or aunts or mothers or anyone.

I would recommend it to anyone.