Berkeley Heights Public Library

Things I Wish I Told My Mother

by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo with James Patterson

Book list Laurie Margolis is a divorced, successful advertising executive with a complicated relationship with her even more successful ob-gyn mother, Dr. Elizabeth Ormson. When Elizabeth winds up in the hospital after a cardiac incident, Laurie proposes a trip for when she recovers to Paris, then Norway to visit her family. The trappings of luxury travel are lavishly described as the two eat and tour their way through Paris. Laurie meets the charming Richard, who just might be the one to help her get over her divorce. He follows Laurie to Norway but doesn't want to meet her mother. Laurie reluctantly leaves him behind to see the Northern Lights and reunite with Elizabeth's sister and husband. Throughout both adventures, Laurie and Elizabeth bicker until one big blowout eventually brings them closer together. The influence of coauthor James Patterson can be felt in the short, page-turning chapters and the massive twist at the end that changes everything. It may be seen as a divisive plot device, but it definitely ups the emotional ante in this diverting mother-daughter tale.

Publishers Weekly The Pattersons (coauthors of the Little Geniuses children’s series) join with humor columnist DiLallo for an appealing story of a divorced woman and her widowed mother’s trip to Europe. Laurie Margolis is about to land a big advertising account when she learns her famous ob-gyn mother, Elizabeth Ormson, has had a heart attack at 68. As Elizabeth recovers, Laurie suggests a reviving trip to Paris and to her mother’s Norwegian homeland. The usual mother-daughter frictions occur: Laurie thinks she’s not good enough in her mother’s eyes and is overly sensitive to judgment, while Elizabeth claims her criticism is in Laurie’s best interests. As well, Elizabeth is nonplussed to discover Laurie has set up a reunion in Norway with Elizabeth’s estranged sister, Jeannie Ormson, whom she hasn’t seen in nearly 50 years. More misadventures ensue during the visit to Paris—Laurie’s is amorous while Elizabeth’s is aortic—and their trials help patch up their fractious relationship. A startling and unnecessary late plot twist throws everything into an entirely different light, but fortunately the authors don’t lose grasp of their well-built characters. Despite the bumpy ride, this feel-good story makes a convincing case for the importance of familial love. (Apr.)

Library Journal DEBUT Best-seller James Patterson teams up with two debut novelists who draw on their experiences of their respective mothers, both of whom lived into their nineties and died in the same year. The same day that Laurie Margolis lands a fancy new account for her advertising agency, her indomitable mother, Dr. Elizabeth Ormson, enters the emergency room with chest pains. While speaking at medical conferences around the globe and building a practice, Dr. Liz was mostly absent from Laurie's childhood, and Laurie is both in awe of her and annoyed that she never came first. Jolted by the brush with death, the mother and daughter take a trip to Paris and Norway to spend time together. Little goes as planned, including a British man picking Laurie up at their hotel bar. While her involvement with the mystery man is an adult romantic relationship, it brings out a rebellious teen attitude that becomes a little annoying to read about. From a list of old resentments continuously coming between mother and daughter, to the forging of new experiences on their European adventure, there's a roller coaster of emotions for our main character and the readers. It's when Liz and Laurie are having tough, good conversations that this story shines brightest. VERDICT An unexpected twist at the end may have readers up in arms, either in support or displeasure. A good choice for book groups.—Stacey Hayman

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