I have no idea how Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLatto landed on my library hold list. I can usually recall the podcast, social media post, etc. that prompted me to add titles to it, but not this one. I was so clueless about this book, I thought it was a memoir until moments before I began listening to the audiobook narrated by Ellen Archer. I'm glad I went into it without any background information.

Laurie and her mother are very different people and their relationship is strained. Laurie is an artist who experiences life through the left side of her brain while her mother Liz is a famous physician who is precise and "high end" in everything she does. To strengthen their bond, they plan a grand European adventure. Unfortunately, things don't happen as wonderfully as they hoped.

The descriptions of food, drink, fashion, and landmarks are vivid and transported me to Paris and Norway. As the plot unfolds, we learn more about the main characters and the past that formed their personalities. Readers should keep the title in mind as they enjoy this story. The ending completely surprised me, but it made me appreciate the book more.

Written by two friends named Susan (one is James Patterson's wife) whose mothers died the same year at age 90+, this will prompt readers to consider their relationship with their own mother.

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