Reviews

Things I Wish I Told My Mother: The Perfect Mother-Daughter Summer Read by Susan DiLallo, James Patterson, Susan Patterson, Susan Patterson

haytur's review

fast-paced

2.0

sabrena's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I'm going to try not to drag this book too hard, since it was dedicated to the authors' late mothers and I think that's really sweet. I enjoyed the travel aspect of this book - reading about Paris especially, and all the new foods in the different places they went. The audiobook made it a pretty quick read. Unfortunately that's about where my enjoyment of the book stopped. The characters were so unlikable, and I get it, Laurie is jealous of any woman that happens to be thinner than her. The dialogue didn't really feel natural throughout the book. The Richard situation was stupid, but he was charming at first I suppose. The ending was also stupid, I'm not a fan of the whole

"it was all a dream!"

type thing. I don't think the book dug deep enough into the mother/daughter relationship. I would have liked to see some actual growth. Laurie and Liz clearly had some issues they needed to sort out and I would have liked them to really achieve a better understanding of each other, more than just Liz sharing a story about her love life. I think all mother/daughter relationships are complicated, and I'm fortunate to be pretty close with my mom despite that, so maybe this book would have hit harder if my mom and I liked each other less, but this book just didn't do it for me. Read Crying in H Mart instead.

roelia's review

2.0

I really wanted to LOVE this book, believe me. I was in the mood for an emotional, heartbreaking tearjerker. I had my tissues and comfy blanket ready. But unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the travel bits - soaking in the scenery and culinary delights of France and Norway - bringing back fond memories. But everything else - just didn't work. I couldn't identify with Laurie or "Dr Liz". I found them both emotionally stunted, self-obsessed and obstinate. The writing in general was "meh". And don't get me started on the "plot twist" - it was lazy and weak.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

juniorwebb95's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

mylkuh's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Mommy issues are hitting hard today 😭 I love how this book shows a realistic relationship between mother and daughter and the constant need to satisfy said mother. 

jennifer_charbo's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lucky41823's review

lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

kgassmann's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

booksandbicycles's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Here is a book that was recommended to me that I wouldn’t recommend in return. 

The story is about a mother and daughter with a rocky relationship. The mother has a heart attack and the daughter suggests they go on a mother/daughter trip to Paris and Norway. The majority of the book is ok but then at the end there is a twist that had me almost throwing the book across the room. I was so annoyed! 

I’m glad I did the audio. It was a quick, easy listen. 

misspinkfairy's review

boring. dialogue is poor. overly telling. all diction choices feel like a 12 year old wrote it