For every shoeaholic, purseaholic, wife, mother, daughter, sister, or girlfriend, the must-read book of the season is hands-down, The Secret Diary of an Italian Girl.

Dosolina Sophia Lucia Feraco is the mother of three children, the daughter of Italian immigrants who speak little or no English and have never driven a car. After 20 years of domestic bliss, volunteering for every school function and field trip, and taking her parents to olive oil sales, she decides to return to the exciting world of “outside of the laundry room” full time employment.

Women of all ages will relate to this zany fashion-obsessed character who slowly becomes unhinged behind her cubicle walls. It’s a real tossup as to which part of the book is funnier – career world or her return to domestic life and playing translator to her Italian parents. A laugh a page is guaranteed in this Ottawa writer’s first novel.

Cotroneo’s message is loud and clear throughout the many humorous escapades she lands herself in: be careful what you wish for, and ultimately – to thine own self be true.

Note to self: Highly recommended. Check out the website at www.italiangirlpress.com.

The Secret Diary of an Italian Girl is available in Ottawa at Indigo Barrhaven, Shirley Leishman Books Westgate Shopping Centre, the Book Stop Barrhaven, and at shops throughout the Village of Manotick.