Mothers and Sons

by Jill M. Morgan, Diana Gabaldon, Peter Straub

Released in time for Mother's Day, this collection of twelve true stories of motherhood celebrates the special bond between mother and son in works by Eric Jerome Dickey, Eileen Goudge, Peter Straub, Faye Kellerman, Diana Gabaldon, Lawrence Block, Stuart M. Kaminsky, and other writers. Reprint.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jill Dancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad and depressing.

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice compilation of stories about relationships between mothers and sons, some wonderfully sweet, some painfully sad. Only one turned me off all together. Eric Jerome Dickey's story broke my heart and lifted me up all at the same time, wondering how a mother can use a child in such an ugly fashion. . . ..

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was such a disappointment to me, although I will take part of the blame in that because of my expectations going into it. The version of this book that I purchased says “A Celebration in memoirs, stories and photographs” on the front cover. The word “celebration” made me think that this would be an uplifting collection of stories. As a Mom of sons myself, I thought this would be a fun way to commemorate Mother’s Day this year. I was picturing Chicken-Soup-for-the-Soul kind of content that would make me laugh and cry in a good way. That is not at all what this book is. The majority of the stories in this book are dismal and depressing. This book is laden with complicated/difficult Mother-Son relationships. There were only two stories that were not like this, and neither of those were exactly positive either.

Most of the writing in this book is worth 3-4 stars. The fact that it was marketed as a celebration deserves 1 star because that is a blatant lie. I read to the end because I kept hoping at least one story would make me feel good out of the collection and that never happened. For the mere fact that it is the day before Mother’s Day and I am totally depressed after reading this collection of stories, I’m giving this book 2 stars and a big “thanks for nothing”.

[Rebecca Hofstetter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the stories were poorly written and/or cringeworthy. It seemed like this writing assignment was a chore for most of the authors who all have complicated relationships with their mothers. Many of the stories seem to ramble on like the author didn't really know what to say.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

very touching stories of mother and son relationships

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of short stories. Some good, some so so.