Book excerpt: In her newest book, Regina Barreca writes of growing up in an urban Italian American household under the watchful eyes of her aunts. She shares stories of an adult pajama party, her own hysterectomy, and adventures (and misadventures) with her many friends. She describes learning about her mother's French Canadian relatives, her husband's love of too-fast cars, and her "talent" for remembering lyrics to vintage rock 'n 'roll songs. Always warm and humorous, Barreca, who was deemed a "Feminist Humor Maven" by Ms. magazine, has a knack for voicing the thoughts and concerns of ordinary Americans. First published in Northeast Magazine and the Chicago Tribune, her columns have attracted a wide readership. Her many fans eagerly await this new collection.