Not Becoming My Mother

Not Becoming My Mother

  • by Ruth Reichl
  • Narrated by Ruth Reichl
  • 1 hrs and 34 mins
  • Unabridged Audiobook
3.92 (75
Ratings.
)

Publisher's Summary

Best-selling author Ruth Reichl examines her mother's life, giving voice to the universal unarticulated truth that we are grateful not to be our mothers.In Not Becoming My Mother, best-selling author Ruth Reichl embarks on a clear-eyed, openhearted investigation of her mother's life, piecing together the journey of a woman she comes to realize she never really knew. Looking to her mother's letters and diaries, Reichl confronts the painful transition her mother made from a hopeful young woman to an increasingly unhappy older one and realizes the tremendous sacrifices she made to make sure her daughter's life would not be as disappointing as her own. Growing up in Cleveland, Miriam Brudno dreamed of becoming a doctor, like her father. But when she announced this, her parents said, "You're no beauty, and it's too bad you're such an intellectual. But if you become a doctor, no man will ever marry you." Instead, at 20, Miriam opened a bookstore, a profession everyone agreed was suitably ladylike. On what would have been Miriam's 100th birthday Reichl opens up her mother's diaries for the first time and encounters a whole new woman. This is a person she had never known. In this intimate study Reichl comes to understand the lessons of rebellion, independence, and self-acceptance that her mother - though unable to guide herself - succeeded in teaching her daughter.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful

Great Quick Listen - Honest and Interesting

First of all, I have read and loved all of Ruth Reichl's books. She is a fascinating, strong and intelligent woman and I am definitely a Foodie so her topics are generally right up my alley. It was interesting to hear about her mom and how the relationship changed thoroughout their lives. Most of us probably relate - especially how our view of our own mother's imperfections chane as we become mothers )in my case, I wonder how my mom had and has very few0. Her mother was not a typical mother and was clearly difficult at times. However, it probably helped Ruth to be the person she is. It helps that her mother was a very interesting person in her own right too. Looking forward to more from this author.
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- Pamela

Too Short!

I have LOVED Ruth Reichl's books. Can she ever write about food and life! I was looking forward to this book. However, it was over before it started. So, read it if you like her writing, but beware that it is more of a booklet. She tells several of the stories about her mother that she told in other books, but you learn a lot about her mother's background. It would be a good choice for a book club discussion.
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- Mama C

Book Details

  • Release Date: 04-23-2009
  • Publisher: Penguin Audio
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