Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “Disturbing, challenging story of how far a mother "should" go to shelter or rescue her adult child... an excellent discussion book. Story grabs you almost from the start, I found myself frustrated/angered by the actions of the adult daughter Olivia as if she were REAL; the story is compulsively...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“good so far”
Ess J wrote this review 3 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Disturbing, challenging story of how far a mother "should" go to shelter or rescue her adult child... an excellent discussion book. Story grabs you almost from the start, I found myself frustrated/angered by the actions of the adult daughter Olivia as if she were REAL; the story is compulsively readable! While the mother Elaine never fully embraced motherhood (the constant "on call-ness" of it!) she is mostly sympathetic and does rise to the challenge of trying to help her angry resentful daughter. Very well written and it stays with you even as the details of the story fade.”
Kathleen D wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I like Waldman a lot, but this was not the best I've read. It kept me reading, but I don't have a good memory of it and I finished it only a couple of weeks ago.”
Leslie K wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This story drew me in and was one of those books that I could not put down. Set in Berkeley, this tale of a mother (Elaine) and daughter (Olivia) whose strained relationship stemmed from the single mother who never wanted motherhood and treated her daughter like a constant reminder of a bad decision. Elaine has found the first love in her life, Arthur, who does not want the intrusion of Olivia's problems into their freedom-loving lives. Olivia can never seem to get things right, including her illegal immigrant boyfriend Jorge who brings street dealing into their lives. When Olivia's life is shattered by federal drug charges and unwanted pregnancy, she returns to her mother's home, to face the charges and the birth of the child she refuses to give up. The lessons in love that Olivia teaches to Elaine are surprising, and the life-sentence that is motherhood finally dawns on Elaine like a discarded diamond. Waldman tells a good story, with solid characterizations and plot, filled with strong women facing the dilemnas of the justice system and mandatory sentencing. This is one I will pass along!”
Geotech Librarian wrote this review Saturday, November 28 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Ayelet Waldman (seeThe Mommy-Track Mysteries) has written a novel called Daughter’s Keeper that I think is excellent. It features a woman in her 50’s or 60’s who is finally settled into a good life with her live-in boyfriend after many years of raising a daughter on her own. Just as they are making plans for their retirement, the 22-year-old daughter, with whom she has had a very contentious relationship, gets caught up in a drug ring and ends up with a jail sentence according to the U.S.’s mandatory sentencing laws (which Waldman clearly feels is wrong, although the reader get a good education while she explains it all). The mother must decide just how much to step forward for her daughter, and at what cost. I thought this was a very intelligent and compelling read.”
Betsy Ellis wrote this review Tuesday, September 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I really enjoyed this book ... it held my interest from start to finish. Was realistically written and succeeded in invoking emotion.”
Maya A.D. wrote this review Thursday, June 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very emotional, great read.”
zzzangel wrote this review Saturday, March 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Story of a mother & daughter's relationship. Not always the best; torn at times by things unsaid and undone.”
Paula L wrote this review Monday, June 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is such a wonderfully written book. The emotion that pours from the pages is just amazing. ”
Glomom wrote this review Monday, February 18 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
