When I Married My Mother: A Daughter's Search for What Really Matters-And How She Found It Caring for Mama Jo

by Jo Maeder

Book Overview

Jo Maeder was an ambitious DJ in New York City when she did the unthinkable: she moved to the Bible Belt to look after her frail, estranged mother, who had long been a source of intense frustration. Maeder's tumultuous journey from simply living with "Mama Jo" to learning to truly love her not only changed Maeder's life, but also was the catalyst for pulling her long-fractured family together again. Though often rocky, their "marriage" was a triumph...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306817950
• ISBN13: 9780306817953
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.7" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

I Loved This Book!

Sometimes books can really change your life. When I Married My Mother by Jo Maeder is one of those books. First, the title got me by asking, "What does that mean?" and then once I realized what it was about, I knew I had to read it. What got me hooked was that Jo had a tenuous relationship with her mother. I have had one with my step-mother, too. She was the only mother I knew since my mother died during my birth. I could go on for hours how my step-mother was "not what I wanted in a mother," but I won't. What I did ask myself is: if Jo can heal a relationship with her mother, why can't I? While I was reading the book, I brought it on a visit with my step-mother. She asked what I was reading and I told her. As I remembered Jo's magic with her mother, something shifted in me, and I realized my old way of thinking needed to leave so my step-mom and I could created magic, too. It worked! It was a huge leap into trying to heal a deep wound. It became a magical weekend from then on. And as I left, she said to me as she hugged me tightly, "I can't ever remember having such a good weekend with you as I did this time! You know I am going to miss you." I almost fell over! I had never heard those worlds before. When I Married My Mother is written with insight, humor, and honesty. I think everyone who has a "mommy" issue could grow from Jo's wisdom. As she says, "If you're not right with your mama, you probably won't be right with anyone." I have thought about that one sentence for awhile now. It has brought me to action to change my ways; as really I am the only one who can change any situation I have problems with.

Great Read

Maeder has taken the boomer experience of caring for an aging parent and made it funny, touching and a great read.

Heartfelt and Thought-provoking

"When I Married My Mother" is one of those books that gives you a great sense of satisfaction when you have finished. It leaves you feeling like you have enjoyed a great meal that was layered, nuanced, flavorful and delivered with impeccable service. I don't want to give away too much of the plot but there are many levels: a woman exploring her mother/daughter relationship, her career choices, and her romantic choices. I can't say enough about this book other than read it. There will be some level that speaks to you. My favorite books are the ones written from the heart. This is an honest, heartfelt and thought-provoking novel. Loved every word of it.

a real page turner

When I Married My Mother: A Daughter's Search for What Really Matters-and How She Found It Caring for Mama Jo From the moment I picked this book up until the moment I finished reading it was almost impossible to put down.I laughed,I cried and was so touched the entire time.I felt her adolescent feelings of not fitting in, her sibling relationships and of course her sweet Mama Jo. anyone who had parents or siblings will be able to releate to her poignant tale. i so enjoyed reading this sweet book that now i am so sad i finshed it wont be easy to find another as good to get lost in.

Heartwarming & Tender

A story that will touch your heart. The author, Jo, realizes the depth of the love between mother and daughter when she is "forced" into being her elderly mother's care-giver. As Jo's story illustrates, doing the right thing does not always mean doing the easy thing. She follows her heart and, in the end, liberates her soul. You'll want to buy an extra copy for your mother, a sister, or a close friend.