Member Reviews

It feels validating to have a book written about this niche relationship. Very informative.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

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I appreciate how "Daughters: How to Untangle Yourself from Your Mother" explores the topic of mother-daughter relationships in their complexity and doesn't offer "one size fits all" solutions. Quite the contrary--Julia Vaughan Smith helps readers see a bigger picture and look at their relationships with their mothers from many angles, acknowledging mothers' histories, as well as validating daughters' feelings of abandonment and resentment.

The exercises in this book broaden the perspective and when implemented can help facilitate better relationships. However, in many cases the self-help book, even very carefully written, might not be enough. I didn't find enough encouragement for the readers to seek professional mental health help in the context of their familial relationships, which would be appreciated, because in my opinion some of the exercises or interventions may backfire if implemented without earlier preparation or having a space to go to and talk the aftermath out.

I still will be happy to recommend some of the chapters and exercises to my therapy clients.

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A very powerful and gripping book that has a niche audience. As someone who has spent 20+ years wishing to have a relationship with my mother and always feeling responsible for her not wanting to be a "mum", this book was like a breath of fresh air. This book has helped so much.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

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This was a well-written book about some of the most emotionally complicated relationships to exist. The author addressed some difficult topics with lots of empathy, thought-provoking prompts for self-exploration, and lots of encouragement to grow and become self-empowered.

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Good book, informative, but kinda repetitive. I was very detailed but not very helpful. Maybe because it was too in debt or maybe I don’t actually have any mommy issues that’s why it was not very helpful for me. Either way, it a good read though.

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This book helps daughters really look at oneself as well as our mother and the patterns and ways that we have become entangled in all manners of ways in a way that is not blaming but self reflective. You can't change your mother. She can't change you. Only you can change your own behaviors and patterns and Julia Vaughan Smith takes you on a journey to do just that, slowly and thoughtfully. At the end of each of the twenty three chapters there are self help exercises that get you thinking and journaling about your role in this relationship and ways of helping you grow in a healthier and freer person and less reactive and triggered by whatever and however your relationship is with your own mom. I know this book focuses on mothers and daughters specifically, which is much needed, and I hope that in the future she branches out with focusing as much attention on other family members. Very informative and thought out. Even learning about body therapy was new to me and something I will have to dive deeper to look at, but all in all a great resource and I highly suggest you grab a journal to really explore your thoughts as you read this.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

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This is a very interesting book which, as you can imagine, deals with some very complicated themes. I read the book in 2 sittings on consecutive days. This wasn’t a challenge but on reflection, I wouldn’t say it was the right approach as I feel I would have been better spent taking some time to digest the material.

The tone of this book is really helpful. For a book about difficult relationships between mothers and daughters, the wording does feel nurturing like it’s trying to be our mother. There are also interesting exercises which I’d like to go back & do. While the author does share her own experiences, these are scattered through the text & don’t feel forced. If this is an area you would like to work on I would recommend it.

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I think this book gave good general background but wasn't necessarily comprehensive to all family situations and dynamics. However, I still thought it was good for reflecting on my family relationships.

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Thank you NetGalley and Literally PR Limited for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was pretty in-depth and informative. It was written clearly and concisely. It could have been organized better, and it did get very repetitive throughout. I didn't find the exercises included after each chapter or the advice given to "change" your relationship with your mother to be helpful for me personally, but others may. While the book was somewhat constructive in healing as an adult, it did get victim-blamey at times, as well as non-inclusive to any family system that isn't a straight, cis couple and their children. Regardless, it did have some good information and talking points, but it was just an okay book on this subject.

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I love my mum ser,y, but I think everyone deals with some issues with their mum over the years no matter how perfect the relationship. I’m so happy to acquire this for our family issues. self help section . I will be sharing my full. Thoughts soon. Thank you!

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