The author holds no punches in the telling of her bitter upbringing by her alcoholic mother. As her mother ages and is left alone in the world, the author seizes the moment to move her mother in with her and her teenage daughter in the hopes of mending their rocky relationship. Unresolved issues and feelings of abandonment make for a stressful living arrangement, and regular trips to family therapy dont seem to help. A death in the family, along with the mothers decision to move out, help to put things in perspective and the women slowly begin to take steps in the right direction. This is a story of heartbreak and how sometimes letting go of anger and hate can bring in understanding and welcome friendship and contentment.

Favorite quotes from this read:
considering that, all hatred driven hence, the soul recovers radical innocence. William Butler Yeats, A Prayer for My Daughter

I love you more than my arms could ever stretch. - Author to her daughter (in the acknowledgements)

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