Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book written by a mother and her daughter on their trip to Greece. I learned so much about the country of Greece, the beautiful scenery was described so well that I felt like I was there. This story talks from the heart about the emotions between a mother and daughter. I am the same age as the author and have a daughter just a little younger than hers, and I can relate to their experiences. It was very helpful in understanding these things we go through in life as we both change from one step to another in life as we grow older. I loved the Secret Life of Bees, both the book and movie; this author seeks to be honest, and capture the thoughts of the heart.

Like Sue Monk Kidd, I found myself at a crossroad when I turned 50 and my only child left home for college. Suddenly, I questioned my career direction and wondered where to turn next. But this isn't just a book for blocked writers. Kidd's new memoir speaks to the yearning in every woman who is entering menopause and struggling to redefine her motherhood, or searching for new projects to "birth." Having read all of Kidd's books, including her novels, I am grateful for this deeply personal glimpse into her creative doubts -- and her process. Additionally, I traveled to the same places in Greece and Turkey, so the book also works as a compelling travel memoir. (In particular, I enjoyed the descriptions of Mary's last home in Turkey.) There's a lot more to this book -- just as there's a lot that goes on during menopause. While it's not a difficult read, this memoir is not exactly "light reading," and will hold most appeal to readers interested in feminist spirituality. I plan to read it again to appreciate its full depth. I'll read anything Sue Monk Kidd writes -- and was delighted to be introduced to the writing of her daughter as well. Highly recommended.

I found a complimentary review of this book in a magazine, and I enjoy reading travelogues so I downloaded it to my Kindle. There are so many great things about this book: the evolving mother-daughter relationship, the internal struggles of Sue and Ann, the dynamic spiritual aspect, the information about how to write. It was so much more than I expected, and I find myself so inspired. I have 21 pages of highlighted material on my Kindle. I think it will change my life, seriously.

I came upon this novel while browsing in a local bookstore...I was not looking for this book - IT found me. First, I would like to thank Sue and Ann for coming to the realization that this was a journey novel requiring two voices - the voice of a young woman (Maiden/Mother) and the voice of an older woman(Crone/Wisewoman). That they are also mother and daughter amplifies their story, their journey, their transition from one way of being into another. The Demeter & Persephone theme was a natural development that occurred early in their travels, but became a mystical theme moving forward. As Ann and Sue's actual journey's unfold, so do the answers to the deep questions and fears that they harbor - each on the cusp of their own personal, cyclical transition. This is an important, timely and wise book that a mother can gift her daughter with, or that a daughter might gift her mother with. I cannot recommend this novel strongly enough. Thank you, Sue and Ann!

...I could not wait to share this book with my own mother, which I think may be the highest compliment I can pay any book. The conversational tone of the authors belie the depth of the matters discussed, and makes this one of those 'start it only when you have time to keep reading it' kind of books.