sandinmybra

Issue #62

Last Update February 28, 2009

Arts and Reviews More Sand in My Bra by Gert Innsry 8/20/07 Summer reading is usually considered to be light and relaxing - the kind of books that you wouldn't admit to reading the rest of the year. More Sand in My Bra, a collection of travel-related stories and snippets, mostly autobiographical and all by woman writers, is a follow-on to the well-received Sand in My Bra. The editors, Julia Weiler and Jennifer L. Leo, who also edited the previous book, have put together a combination of memoirs and travelogues, stories that are often humorous and sometimes very affecting.

A certain sameness of tone prevails; arch, ironic and distanced. Sometimes it's hard to tell one author from another. Only a few of the stories are laugh-out-loud funny, but all of them are enjoyable. The list of contributors includes some well known people, like Susanne Schlossberg, Ellen Degeneres and Laurie Notaro, and a larger number of lesser-known but excellent writers.

By far the best story in the book is "Once That Gun Goes Off", by Laura Katers, a tale of a visit to Sydney Australia which happens to coincide with the 25th Annual City to Surf 14 km Race. A monologue which starts off as as an aimless walk around the city becomes a tale of exaltation as the author is swallowed up by the race, and finishes, barefoot and bleeding, in a state of bliss. Unlike many of the other authors, who keep the reader at arm's length, Ms. Kater lets you into her heart and soul.

That's not to say that there are no other good stories here. While not the equal of "Once that Gun Goes Off", Beth Marinson's "Mommy Nearest", Susanne LaFetra's "Mi Pulpo es Su Pulpo", Susan Van Allen's "The Accidental Tour Guide" and C. Lill Ahrens' "Safariland Adventure" are worthy of special mention.

Several of the stories are laugh-out-loud funny, though none had me snorting milk from my nose. "Thongs for the Memories", by Maria Zannini, explores the pain of inappropriate underwear, "Thar She Blows", by Janna Cawrse, describes the finer points of boat sanitation, and "Dear Diary", by Ellen Degeneres, muses about a performer's life on the road.

This is a good book of easy to read pieces that can be enjoyed whenever a free moment presents itself. And try the prequel, Sand in My Bra. It may be even better.

More Sand in My Bra, published by Travelers Tales, ISBN 978-193236150-6, www.travelerstales.com

New York Stringer is published by NYStringer.com. For all communications, contact David Katz, Editor and Publisher, at david@nystringer.com