Things I Wish I Told My Mother
Every daughter has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.
Laurie Ormson is an artist, a collector of experiences. She travels the world with a worn beige duffel bag.
Every mother has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.
Laurie’s mother is the famous “Dr. Liz.” An elegant perfectionist. She travels the world with a matched set of suitcases.
When Laurie invites her mother on a trip to Paris and Norway, she sees an unexpected sparkle in her mother’s eyes. So begins Things I Wish I Told My Mother. You will wish this novel never ends.
Laurie and Dr. Liz are the female version of The Odd Couple.
Authors Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo were inspired to write their moving novel by the shared experience of beloved mothers who lived into their nineties then died in the same year. Their co-author, James Patterson, was usually around to fetch coffee, tea, and sandwiches while the two Susans wrote.
In Susan Patterson's poignant and heartwarming memoir, "Things I Wish I Told My Mother," she embarks on a journey of reflection, regret, and ultimately, healing, as she delves into the complexities of her relationship with her mother.
With honesty and vulnerability, Patterson paints a vivid portrait of her childhood, marked by both love and unspoken tensions. She explores the challenges of growing up in the shadow of a larger-than-life personality, and the longing for a deeper connection that often eluded her.
As Patterson navigates the ups and downs of adulthood, she grapples with the weight of unresolved issues from her past. She confronts the pain of her mother's disapproving remarks, the misunderstandings that drove a wedge between them, and the missed opportunities for genuine heart-to-heart conversations.
Through a series of poignant vignettes, Patterson delves into pivotal moments that shaped her relationship with her mother, from childhood incidents that left lasting scars to the challenges of navigating their dynamic as adults. She explores the complexities of family dynamics, the unspoken expectations that can burden relationships, and the longing for reconciliation.
In the midst of her reflections, Patterson also celebrates the moments of joy and connection that she shared with her mother. She remembers the laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of understanding that offered a glimpse of the bond they could have had.
"Things I Wish I Told My Mother" is a testament to the power of forgiveness, the healing that can come from facing difficult truths, and the importance of finding peace in the relationships that shape our lives. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the complexities of family, the desire for connection, and the longing for a deeper understanding.
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