“Like Mother, Like Mother,” by Susan Rieger, is an interesting book. This covers three generations of women - grandmother Zelda, mother Lila, and daughter Grace. There’s a family mystery about Zelda - did she die in a mental institution as Lila was told or did something else happen? Lila, who the first part of this book focuses on, is a rather interesting character - she was shaped by Zelda’s disappearance and had to become tough - first to protect her siblings and then as the editor of a large newspaper. I found Lila to be the most interesting of all the characters in this book. Grace’s story covers the majority of the second part - where the reader gets some background about Lila, but also meets a number of additional characters (who, at times, I mixed up, and ended up consulting the “family tree” at the beginning of the book - good call to include it!). Zelda’s story - with more of Grace’s story being told - I felt was nice for solving the mystery of what happened, but by the time I got to that part I was feeling this book was a bit too long. This book, as others have noted, has a left-leaning slant; it’s not important, but it is there [I rolled my eyes a few times at some of the asides, but overall it didn’t bother me enough to take away from the story]. I guess besides the story feeling a bit long (mainly Grace’s section), the dialogue felt a bit off at times - stilted may be a stronger word to use. This book, for me, wasn’t a bad read, but it wasn’t a fantastic read. I liked it (3 stars) but I cannot say that I *really* liked it (4 stars) though it did for the most part keep my interest. A solid 3.5 stars - rounded down to 3.

Publishes Oct 29. Outstanding! Riveting story! Great characters and relationships. Strong women! One of my faves of the year.

Let me first say, families are complicated. The families portrayed in this book are complicated. I was pulled into the drama right from the start of the book. The author drew me into the family choices and how those choices affected multiple people. The narrative was well done, told from multiple perspectives. I loved that Lila, who fought to escape the family hell she was into, fought for herself for her entire life. Although I was saddened by Lila's inability to be a mother in the traditional sense, her strength and character were influential in her daughters' lives. The story expanded from Lila's family to her grandchildren in a way that had me engaged to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a story of family drama and triumph.

An enveloping family saga, but so much more.
Smart, witty story filled with original, engaging characters and spirited dialogue.

With thanks to NetGalley & Random House/The Dial Press for this e-ARC!

I love a good multigenerational story. This one had a me shaking my head a little trying to keep up with what was going on because it is not chronological. I did read the cast of characters list at the beginning but reading on the kindle makes it a little more difficult to flip back and forth but after a few chapters I really started getting into the story and by the middle of the book I could not put it down. Was is sad? Yes, no family is ever perfect and Lila, Grace and Zelda were far from it. The emotional and physical trauma that Zelda and Lila faced was awful. But they had characters around them that were both very interesting and supportive in their own unique ways. Frances was by far my favorite. When she was first introduced I was like "oh no, another unpleasant MIL" but that was not at all what she was like. Overall, I really enjoyed this unconventional multi generation story. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I think the characters were very well written, but not very likable. It is the story of three women Lila, her mother Zelda and Lila's daughter Grace. All three of them have experienced trauma in their life. This is basically the story of how they cope with this trauma. I found this book to be sad because none of the women seemed very hopeful about their life. I guess I just like happier books. If you like to read books about dysfunctional families, then I think you will like this book. It just wasn't for me.

I put off reading this book for a while, but I’m so glad I eventually pulled up this arc on my kindle. Like Mother, Like Mother is the story of Lila, whose mother abandoned her when she was little. Lila goes on to marry Joe, have three daughters, whom she let Joe raise while she focused on her career as a journalist. She had few if any emotions, but provided everything else the girls needed and let the emotions up to Joe. She dies young, shortly after she retires. In her death, her daughters and sister investigate her awful childhood and how she became the person she was

I’m sad to say I can relate to this book. I’m not a crazy emotional person, but I do my best. I wouldn’t say I’m Lila level in emotions, but for sure a schedule is much more important to me than the average hug. It was just the way I was raised. I believe this book has such depth, clarity, and feeling (ironically) that it could qualify for one of the best this year.

The novel examines the interwoven narratives of three generations of women: Lila, Grace, and Zelda. Lila’s tumultuous early life is characterized by abandonment, as her mother is institutionalized, forcing her to endure an abusive upbringing. In spite of these adversities, Lila emerges as a prominent journalist and the editor of The Washington Globe, channeling her energy into her career while her husband, Joe, assumes the primary role of caregiver. The narrative intricately explores the multifaceted dynamics of motherhood and the sacrifices made in the quest for professional aspirations, highlighting the repercussions of Lila's decisions on her daughters, particularly Grace.
Grace, sensing emotional neglect from her mother’s relentless work ethic, struggles with her sense of self and the familial legacy that looms over her. Her quest for autonomy propels her to become a successful reporter; however, she remains inextricably linked to Lila's influence. As Grace pens a bestselling biography about her mother, she confronts her family's complex history and the enigmas surrounding her grandmother, Zelda. This voyage of revelation prompts significant inquiries into the interplay between past and present, as well as the fundamental nature of self-identity.
The prose vividly encapsulates the essence of memory and familial connections, often transitioning seamlessly across different time periods. While some may find this narrative style demanding, it powerfully conveys the emotional richness of the characters and their experiences. Ultimately, the novel serves as a poignant meditation on the legacies of motherhood, ambition, and the concealed truths that shape our existence, offering a compelling portrayal of three resilient women navigating their intertwined destinies.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This took me a little while to get into but I thought it was a really interesting study of a complicated family and intergenerational trauma/dynamics. Glad I kept going, and I loved the ending.

I struggled to finish this book, sadly. I don’t think I was the intended audience of this story! Okay ish plot

Loved this novel about three generations of strong women, stretching from a Jewish family in 1960s Detroit to modern day. I especially loved Lila who was a high-ranking editor in Washington, D.C., but each of the women’s stories were fascinating. Susan Rieger did a wonderful job of creating each character and their story. The novel is both funny and moving. I could see it as a film someday. Trigger warning: Some descriptions of domestic violence and suicide attempts. I loved spending time reading this and thank the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. It is scheduled to be published October 29.

It took me a while to warm up to this. I wasn't prepared for the conversational writing style, but once I figured out who was who (whom?). I settled in and enjoyed the tale. The last section felt a little rushed and not up to the standards from the first two sections. I appreciated the intellectual nature of the conversations, and while most of us didn't grow up in families like that, some of us did.

I think this will have a large appeal to a big audience. I will look forward to the probability of a Netflix series in two years....Well done.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

The enjoyed the last 10% of the book, but this would have been a did not finish if it wasn't an ARC. It was just too slow and repetitive.

For anyone who loves a multigenerational family saga, you’re definitely going to want to get this October release on your radar. Rife with Jewish representation, LMLM snuck up on me as one of the best books I’ve read as of late!

Sophisticated with serious issues, some humor and lots of wisdom from three generations of family members.

It starts with a complete cast of characters from six families. Two thoughts: how useful it will be to know who’s who; and then I started to panic with the long list of names. And yet, it wasn’t overwhelming.

There was so much to like: the well written plot, people and places. There are three parts: Lila (the mother), Grace (her youngest daughter who was so much like her mom) and Zelda (the absent grandmother). Lila was the strong one who didn’t have the benefit of love from her mother, Zelda. She had to put up with her abusive father, Aldo, in Detroit while her older brother and sister sadly watched. Aldo figured he was doing her a favor. What a ruthless man! She moved on with emotional baggage.

It’s captivating from the first page where everything else in your life gets put on hold while you read. It makes you feel like you’re inside of the family circle as all sorts of deep secrets come out. There are those that show their good hearts and words. Grace decides to write a memoir but to make it fiction of her mother’s life. Was it a good idea while she was alive? You decide. It can make you pause thinking about your own families with past histories. I didn’t want it to end.

My thanks to The Dial Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of October 29, 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Rieger, Random House Publishing Group for this copy of Like Mother, Like Mother out October 29, 2024!

📜Quick Summary: This moving drama follows Lila and her daughter Grace, as well as Zelda, Lila’s mother. Lila grew up without a mother; when she was only two, her father told her and her siblings that she was institutionalized and then later died. Through the trauma of growing up with an abusive father, Lila swears to never have children; she would not know how to mother. After having three daughters of her own, it’s clear she doesn’t know what she’s doing. As the story unravels and Grace becomes one of the main players, your heart hurts for all of them on different levels.

❣️Initial Feels: I am going to have to really focus on the changing of time frames.

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: It was really hard for me to connect to these group of ladies. Lila couldn’t find herself ever really being a mother and loved her job more; I quit my job because all I wanted to be was a mother. Grace resented her mother for not being there, and that broke my heart. Joe tried to be there for her, but she was a difficult cookie. Interesting cast!

📖Read if you want: different POV’s, multigenerational family saga, trauma, political drama

💡Final Sentiments: Overall this was a difficult book to follow. The timeline jumps, the 3 part story lines… the continuity of the story was not pleasing for me. It was an interesting saga, and the best part was finding out what happened to Zelda. There was a lot of political aspects as well, as her job revolved around that so it’s heavy in the politics and drama surrounding elections.

👀Trigger Warnings: physical abuse

🌟Overall Rating: 3 stars


This novel was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Like Mother, Like Mother is a beautifully woven inter-generational tale. This is an epic story of women, their families, and the way they carry the pain from their parents throughout their lives.

This novel follows Lila Pereira and the people in her life. Her abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum, and she never sees her again. Lila rises to become a famous newspaper editor, has kids with her loving husband Joe, and seemingly has everything. Yet, she didn't want to be a mother. She doesn't think that she knows how to be a mother. Joe parents the children while she pursues her career, at the cost of a true maternal relationship with her children.

Years later, following Lila's death, her daughter Grace seeks to understand what happened to Lila's mother. Grace feels abandoned in her own right, and wanted more from Lila than she could have given. Grace goes on a mission to find out what happened to her grandmother, because she doesn't believe that she was committed to an asylum and then died.

Like Mother, Like Mother echoes the structure of Richard Powers and Tommy Orange, beautifully weaving together multiple interconnected tales. This story will make you think about your own family, and what the people that love you had to carry to raise you. This is a rich story, that sucks you in immediately. I felt deeply connected to each character in this novel, due to Rieger's masterful character development.

Thank you for the ARC. I was intrigued by the description of this book. Unfortunately, I just could not get into it and it was a DNF for me. It might be a case of wrong book, wrong time.

In 1960, Lila's abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum, and the family never sees her again. Lila grows up, marries, and works her way up to being executive editor of The Washington Globe. Luckily for her three children, her husband Joe becomes their main caretaker, while Lila prioritizes her career. Eventually, Lila's youngest daughter, Grace, writes a book based on their family history, partly to expose her mother and partly to bring to light the idea that Lila's mother ran away rather than going to the asylum. For some reason, I had a hard time following parts of the story. The characters were so similar it was hard to keep them straight. In the last part of the book, new characters are introduced that help with the asylum mystery but the story both dragged by that point and ended abruptly. Thank-you to NetGalley, Dial Press, and Ms. Rieger for the ARC of this title.

I love novels about multi-generations so knew I'd enjoy this one. Zelda is committed to an asylum in 1960 when daughter, Lila is only two. Three decades later, Lila works at the Washington Globe as husband Joe raises their daughters. It's an insightful look at how family members work together even when times are tough and not everyone gets along!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!