Kirkus Reviews has been the premier American book review magazine since it was founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. Today, Kirkus is headquartered in New York City, and reviews over 10,000 book titles per year, used by librarians, book buyers, industry professionals and readers. Kirkus reviewers have been called “the toughest,” so when I received an email recently that Kirkus had reviewed my book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com, I read it with one eye opened …
But a few lines in, I could see (both eyes opened now) that the Kirkus reviewer had fully understood my memoir’s funny yet poignant vibe, and appreciated its unique “litcom” format. Below is what Kirkus Reviews had to say in its book review, which was published September 3, 2020.
“Memorable autobiographical essays capturing the service of motherhood with candor, humor, and grace.
THE MEAT AND POTATOES OF LIFE
MY TRUE LIT COM
BY LISA SMITH MOLINARI ‧ RELEASE DATE: MAY 1, 2020
A memoir focuses on motherhood and life as a military spouse.
Molinari, a mother of three and wife of a naval intelligence officer, offers wit and wisdom in her book. Her husband, Francis, now retired, served on an anti-terrorism task force, and his career included deployments around the world. As a result, the family lived in Germany, Florida, and Rhode Island. The author shouldered the parenting duties alone during Francis’ yearlong deployment in Djibouti. In addition to the typical tasks of a stay-at-home mom, Molinari organized a rigorous calendar of therapies and monitored play dates for her son, Hayden, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. To relieve stress, the author began writing. The lively and resonant memoir builds on her work as a columnist and blogger. She compares the book to a sitcom with a key distinction: “Unlike sitcoms…the meaning in my reality is not always clear. It often gets muddled with the trivial, mundane, and chaotic details in my daily routine.” Molinari captures visiting the orthodontist, tackling taxes, and working out as brief episodes. There are essays about chores, milestones, and Christmas. In an essay about a summer vacation with her extended family, “personal secrets were inevitably revealed,” the author writes. Anti-fungal ointments, heavy mayonnaise, and large undergarments emerge: “Admittedly, my Jockeys ‘For Her’ were ample enough to fold over several times.” Readers will relish Molinari’s self-deprecating anecdotes about aging, marriage, and anxiety. The volume includes memorable one-liners (“I’ve got more culture in my upturned pinkie than you’d get from a case of Chobani”) as well as lessons on hard work and gratitude. Readers may wish for more about Hayden’s childhood years. The author writes consistently about his younger sisters as children while Hayden emerges from his diagnosis as a teen. (He is now an engineer.) With just glimpses of his progress, readers will likely be unable to appreciate his significant strides. Tonally, though, the details of Hayden’s journey are perhaps best left for another book. In this one, there is a palpable sense of wonder for everything from a dog’s shedding to parenthood: “It’s an incredible privilege to watch a human being grow.”Memorable autobiographical essays capturing the service of motherhood with candor, humor, and grace.”
[To see this review on Kirkus’ website, go to: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lisa-smith-molinari/the-meat-and-potatoes-of-life/.]
WOW! What a great review. I endorse the suggestion for a second book!
Ha! Thanks Michelle. A second helping of “Meat & Potatoes”? Maybe one day!
Congratulations, Lisa. So nice to see so many enjoying your work.
Thank you so much, Melissa! You and the rest of NRT helped me gather the confidence to write this book, and I am very grateful for my fellow “writer friends.”
Hi Lisa great review. I’m a 75 year old young fellow retired & living in Florida. Original from NY. My oldest daughter who by the way is my best friend. I had her when I was 21, and we grew up together lol. About 4 years ago she turn me on to your emails (meat & potatoes) & I’ve been a fan since. We talk on the phone all the time after reading your M&P. Your honesty & humor are more then refreshing. You seem to turn challenges into humorous acceptance. And that’s a gift when you can share them like you do. I consider myself a young 75 especially since my second wife of 17 years is 28 year younger then me & my 2 daughters. And they are all best friends. So although not your generation I’m still filled with piss & vinegar lol. You have an abundance of honesty in your writing & honesty seems to be gone in our new world. A big congratulations will deserved. And I look forward to more of your wonderful stories.
Peter Meyer
What a wonderful story! It warms my heart that you and your daughter shared your thoughts on my columns — something any writer would be happy to hear. I truly appreciate your comments – I get so little feedback, so your words are GOLD!
Kirkus knows the Right Stuff when they read it!
They “get it” Lisa
and described your wisdom, humor, and talent to a tee!
Thanks Maz!
Woohoo! Congratulations Lisa!!! Awesome.
Thank you, Dorothy! Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut…
Lisa, I have read your stories for years, they are the best of the best! You are an extremely talented person with an ample amount of good old common sense. I think the first time I started reading you was when I was Commanding Officer of a Seabee Battalion and I continued on past when I was a Rear Admiral, Chief of the Civil Engineer Corps and Head of the Seabees. This recognition above by Kirkus is long overdue. My sincere congratulations. Jack Buffington.
Admiral Buffington, what an honor it is to read your comment! I am so happy to know that you have read my comments for years — Seabee magazine and the base newspapers in Gulfport used to carry my columns. I love connecting with the military community, and I hope my book gives both military and civilian readers a good sense of military family life. Thank you for your kind words!
This is awesome! This review depicts your book/stories perfectly.
Congratulations! Now to share the review with my friends.
Thank you, Grace, for always sharing my good news!
Fantastic review. We are so happy for your success with this book. Always look forward to reading your blog and keeping up with your adventures in life.
Thank you, Mary! It’s always an adventure 🙂
Congratulations, Lisa! I have enjoyed your columns for years and followed you regularly when I wrote my blog (with my daughter) ‘Hey Ma I’m Home’ (heymaimhome.wordpress.com). I’m thrilled for your success. This also gives me hope…I had always dreamed of publishing such a compendium and this gives me renewed energy to pursue the idea myself. I wish you great success with the book.
Laurie Best
That is so nice to hear, Laurie, and I have read your blogs in the past too — great concept! Keep up your dream of writing a book — it is hard work but doable if you stick to it. You already know how to write, so you’ve conquered half the battle.
Wow – excellent review!
Thanks pal!