My Mama's Waltz

by Eleanor Agnew

"She was my best friend when sober and I was her worst enemy when she was drunk."
With stunning honesty, My Mama's Waltz brings to light the painful legacy of daughters of alcoholic mothers -- in the first book to focus solely on this fractured relationship. Eleanor Agnew and Sharon Robideaux share their own personal accounts along with the memories and experiences of hundreds of women, from all ages and backgrounds, in an intimate and powerful narrative journey. Their recollections, courageous and unforgettable, resoundingly confirm that women who deal with the remnants of a childhood cut short by an alcoholic mother are not alone. Powerful, often wrenching, but ultimately hopeful and inspiring, My Mama's Waltz offers the support and reassurance adult daughters seek to reconcile the past and heal the heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Teodora Grigorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review about this great book. Just the feeling that I am healed now. And really lucky.

[Shantana Goerge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I scanned this book over-a morning rather than read it closely. It was recommended by Sharon Blackie for women who were raised by alcoholic mothers as a way to understand some of the patterns in their own life. I found this book helpful from a motherless daughter perspective, even if the specifics didn’t fit perfectly.

[Kate Liccardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories felt very dated with this book being published 23 years ago. I’m sure at the time most of the stories were very relevant. Most of the stories were about moms from the 50s or 60s who were stay at home moms with multiple kids. Would be interesting to read a more more recent version with situations where there are single working moms and/or there is only one child which is more relevant in more recent times.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure I can write a review without getting emotional but this is an excellent book. It gives real life stories of what it is like to live in the home of an alcoholic mother, it doesn't judge or try to fix anything, it just tells it like it is. A good read for anyone who knows anyone who has experienced this.

[Patti Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but it is a bit disturbing in some regards. Made me really think about my own mother, but not all of those thoughts were good ones. I do, however, plan to give to my own daughter.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how I was able to connect to some of their stories. It offered me a little validation about some of my experiences. I would absolutely recommend reading this book if you’re drawn to the subject matter.

[Vicki Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book about daughters of alcoholic mothers. I thought the authors had some excellent insights, and it certainly brought back some memories for me.

[Carly Jo Strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

How this book doesn’t have more exposure is beyond me. If you are a daughter of an alcoholic mother, THIS IS A MUST READ. Don’t let the low number of reviews fool you. It is SO validating. It has healed parts of me I didn’t know needed healing and parts I knew needed healing.

The reason this book is so unique is that instead of all the science behind being raised by an alcoholic mother, you get real life experiences and stories. It is about FEELINGS. You suddenly don’t feel crazy or so alone for feeling the way you do. It’s also helped me understand why I do, behave, act, feel, think, react the way I do. I would 100% grab a highlighter because you will be amazed at all you’ll be able to relate to. Happy reading. 🩷
Read in 2024. Don’t let publication date sway your decision. This topic will forever be relevant.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof. The stories feel very dated, but this book is still thorough and resonant.

[Keara · Rating 3 out of 5]

bit outdated because many of the mothers are midcentury housewives, but still resonant

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am becoming…and becoming…and becoming…”