How to Lose Your Mother (audiobook)

by Molly Jong-Fast

The author and narrator, Molly Jong-Fast, is the only child of Erica Jong, feminist writer, who penned, among other books, The Fear of Flying. (Full disclosure: I am not a feminist, and I never read it.) Molly Jong-Fast’s book, though, I find fabulous. Her voice will not be for everyone, so if listening to a stereotypical New York City accent (a bit nasal and whiny with syllables drawn out a la: “Ohhhh myyyyy gawwwwwd!”) grates on your nerves, then opt for a Kindle or paperback version, instead. As a New York Jew myself – albeit an Upstate rather than “on the island” variety…and definitely NOT whiny – I have to admit, I found it endearing. But whether you listen to this book or read it, Molly’s writing remains smart, savvy and tremendously engaging. I love the way she interweaves the vignettes from the prickly-yet-co-dependent relationship she has with her mother in their early years to the daily tragedy it becomes for them later, due to her mother’s Dementia. There is much self-discovery, but it’s offered up with amusing, self-deprecating language that makes Molly seem relatable and interesting, rather than a rich-and-clueless Nepo-baby. She gave me much to think about long after the final sentence, and for that, I highly recommend this delightful book.