In My Mother's Closet: An Invitation to Remember

This book, beautiful in every sense, would be a perfect gift for any woman, including oneself. It taps into so many universal themes of girlhood, womanhood, and the profound relationship between a mother and her daughter. I imagine I'm not the only one who laughed and cried when reading it. Ms. Zukerman is a graceful and interesting writer. I wish her two novels could be re-published in paperback.

I don't know if Ms. Zukerman meant to create a new kind of connection and common ground with the other women in her readers' lives. But she has, in this intimate, powerful and poignant treasure. Not only did I gain entre to the childhood and adolescent memories of these creative and accomplished women -- memories I hazard many of those interviewed for the book rarely shared with others before -- but through it, I found myself reminiscing about my own early relationship with my mother. I found myself reading "My Mother's Closet" over a series of evenings, lingering over each interview, reading many twice. And, as I did so, memories of my own mother's closet came drifting up to me.But this is not a book I could keep to myself. I think it's meant to be shared with the other women in your life. My daughter likes me to read her the stories, and we talk about when she was small, and what dressing up in things from my closets meant to her. My friends who have bought and read it and I also share thoughts raised by the book. Through it, we have discovered new topics of conversation, new musings on the wonderful, funny, wistful and formative memories of our mothers and their powerful influence on our lives -- thoughts and wonderings that have brought us deeper understanding of one another. I can't wait to see what happens when I give it to my mother on Mother's Day!

A friend was recently reading "In My Mother's Closet" and she was moved to tears by some of the compelling memories that are brought back to life by author Eugenia Zukerman. Even while understanding it was a book rooted in different women's childhood experiences, I was still intrigued and got the book anyway. From the first page, I was immediately captivated and gained great insight into the early lives of Carrie Fisher, Anne Spielberg (Director Steven's sister), Lesley Stahl, and many other endearing women. We men also have these fascinating recollections of their parents' closets where there were secrets or clothing that would signal the beginning of a special event. I always knew where to look for my hidden birthday and Christmas presents. I even called my sister to reminisce about the times we both played in the closets and were frightened by our mom's Fox stole that peered back at us with many eyes, as it was unbelievably comprised of several animal skins. I also remember wearing my dad's jewelry proudly in my teenage years when I was coming of age. Eugenia Zukerman wrote this book for easy reading to be picked up often, as each chapter is dedicated to and describes one of the sharing contributors. Sometimes the stories would initiate nice and warm conversations with my wife and even with my mom. I recommend this charming book not only for women to enjoy reading, but to also share them with the men they love...and love to talk with as well!

I began reading this book late one night on the subway, and I couldn't believe how deeply moved I was by the words and feelings that lept into my heart off the pages of this beautiful book. Women all over the world share an understanding of what it is to be a woman, a daughter, a friend. And, we know that our mothers and/or mother figures play an important role in our journey of self-discovery whether or not they are still present in our lives. This collection of poignant stories of women from all places touched many corners of my soul and opened my eyes to see what I sometimes do not see inside. It flooded my memory "closet" and inspired me to open its doors. It was VERY exciting for me and I have already ordered a copy for my mother and my "mother-in-law". I cannot wait to share this book with every important woman in my life!!

Wonderful rememberances which go right to the heart of the mother-daughter relationshipin a unique and moving way. The lives in this book couldn't be more disparate, and yet the magic of the objects we associate with our mothers seem to carry a universal power. I sent a copy to my mother and another to my sister. Then my mother sent a copy to HER sister. It's one of those books you'll want to share with your friends. I couldn't recommend it more highly.