Greetings from Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer

by Mari SanGiovanni

Book Overview

Marie Santora has always known her Italian family is a little crazy, but they now have a million more reasons to act nuts when she inherits her grandmother's estate. It soon becomes clear that the money Marie needs to live comfortably will be decided by her family-if they don't get enough of her money she won't live comfortably.

Marie Plans her escape. She'll give her family a parting gift and then move to Hollywood to chase her...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932859306
• ISBN13: 9781932859300
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Bywater Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Big, big fun

I rarely get to read fun stuff but I'm so grateful this book was recommended to me and I had the good sense to read it. I not only laughed right out loud FREQUENTLY, I was also reduced to tears which in general, isn't much fun. This time though, I didn't mind. If you don't THOROUGHLY enjoy this book, let me personally refund your money so you can get some well-need therapy. This is big, big fun so do yourself a favor and lighten up! And the best part? My straight friends are enjoying it too! Thanks Mari for this great time. Wish you were here.

How Marie got her groove back

Escaping to Jamaica has always been considered romantic, but readers of this hilarious book will find that vacationing in paradise can also be stressful, embarrassing, passionate and downright laugh out loud funny. Marie Santora comes from an Italian family, or rather, is saddled with the standard Italian family that has been the target of comedians everywhere. Family feuds, ritual harassment of siblings and steaming hot meatballs are all a part of daily life, but when her grandmother passes to the next world, the contents of her last will and testament tip the family balance way over the edge. Now financially independent for the first time in her life, Marie decides to make every moment count, dumping her unfaithful lover Jessica, buying a house in LA, and deciding to become a successful writer of screenplays. Not one to suffer mediocrity, Marie spends ages agonizing over the perfect actress for her perfect screenplay, finally deciding on actress Lorn Elaine. Somewhere along the way however, the writer turns stalker, and Marie is almost relieved to be setting off on an all expenses paid vacation to Jamaica with the family. I said "almost" The best part of the book follows, with the Italian contingent set loose in the land of the Reggae Boyz, complete with sun, sand, surf, trays of brightly colored alcoholic beverages, and of course hot meatballs. While on the island, love is found in unexpected places, love is made in expected places, love is lost and found, lost lovers lurk, lurkers love lovers, and the reader will love every minute of it. One of the funniest reads in a long time. Irie mon!! Amanda Richards, October 22, 2007

Greetings From Oregon

Greetings from Jamaica is a fun romp through the lesbian romance genre without the usual pitty-party angst. I especially liked the way the action and personalities wove together to create not-so-perfect and delightful characters. For a change, the only truly beautiful lesbian is the one no one wants or likes and is not redeemable. Marie's family, like most loving and sometimes disfunctional families, manage to mess up Marie's life just about as much as they help. I highly recommend this romance as a great way to brighten a rainly day. Or any day.

Hilariously funny!!

Just finished this one yesterday, and I have to agree with my wife who commented, "Wow! That's the fastest that I've ever seen you read a book!" The reason was that it was an easy, hilarious read and one that I'm beginning to encourage my friends and family to read. Yes, it's a lesbian novel, but I don't think that you have to be a lesbian to read and most importantly, understand this book. Unlike the novel I previously read, this one is not focused on a single genre and I think anyone (gay, straight, bi, etc) will be able to read this book and not only laugh out loud, but see a bit of their own dysfunctional family. I know I did and I'm not even Italian! LOL Mari Santora is the protagonist of this hilarious jaunt through dysfunction and rather than slip and give away spoilers, all I can say is that the back cover was right you will be laughing out loud as you're reading this tale. But it is not all laughter. There are some very serious issues throughout the story, such as coming out, falling in love with someone who hasn't, dealing with family who would rather bury their heads in the sand, etc. Despite the serious issues, there is an exuberance that heartens the soul, so for those of you who only want happy, feel-good books, this is one to put on your list.

Enjoy!

Mari SanGiovanni captures the essence of the American-born-yet-deeply-rooted-in-Italy-and-won't-let-go characters with pizzaz. And that's just what they are, characters. Silly, playful, deeply emotional, crazy Italians. The storyline brings forth an insight into the world of a dare-I-say lesbian relationship. Ms. SanGiovanni shows tenderness and compassion in between layers of comic genius. There are few writers who can accomplish the task of supplying their reading audience with intense humor, and at the same moment of time throw sweet emotion in to the mix. This book allowed me to see another side of a world that I am not familiar with (although now I think with Mari's step-by-step instructions I am very knowledgeable and could handle a conversation about lesbian-lovemaking with the best of them) and she made it easy to enjoy the laugh-out-loud comedy of the Italian family ways, which I do know oh so well. If you don't have this book packed in your carry-on bag for your next trip to the Carribean, or stowed away in your beach bag for some summer reading, then you are missing out on a hell of a good ride. Rating: Two thumbs up and a meatball on the side.