It Hit Me Like a Ton of Bricks: A Memoir of a Mother and Daughter

I didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book... I liked the premise, I enjoy memoirs (especially of the mother/daughter variety) and the author seemed interesting. I devoured it in about two sittings and highly recommend this book! Ms. Burns writes with such honesty, and her descriptions of emotions many times had me going back and re-reading certain lines thinking "Yes! That's exactly it!" I'd love to read more from this gifted author... perhaps a follow-up to hear how her mother and daughter are doing these days...?

This is the author's first book and it is truly an amazing biography. In fact after reading it I purchased a copy for each of my (grown) daughters! It's an important book in that it depicts the tug and pull between mothers and daughters as they grow in their relationships with each other. It's real; it shows the pain and the worry and the acceptance of their quirks. I especially love their honesty of feelings even when things aren't "pretty". It's a beautiful story; I hope the author continues to write. Her sensitivity and depth are striking.

I gave this book to my mom for mother's day, and it was even better than expected. Burns is a WONDERFUL writer, with great images and a strong eye for detail, and the autobiography is powerful, heartwrenching and moving. Both Mom and I loved it -- and then we shared it with all 3 of Mom's sisters, who are also mothers, who then shared it with their children (also mothers). Not a bad review in the bunch. One of the best books I've read in a long time -- I've even considered writing directly to the author (like some crazed fan) to tell her to PLEASE write more books!

Catherine Burns is a terrific writer....I root for her in this memoir as I relate to her journey as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and well, a female person struggling to love, and be loved....and ultimately accept herself as she attempts to win the acceptance of her mother. I never worry about this woman.....her honesty, and humor always keeps her from going under----she is too smart, witty, and observant to lose the game!!! a really fresh voice.

I could not put this book down once I began to read the painfully honest, poignant but ultimately fasinating love story Ms. Burns writes about her Mother and her own Daughter. I highly recommend this book.