Customer Reviews

Different Daughters 3 Ed: A Book by Mothers of Lesbians

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is intimate and open and extremely valuable. While many lesbians are "out" and have been "out" for what seems like forever, this book is for those who aren't yet there, and the people who care about them. While it may seem fairly repetitive, (my mother certainly thought so)the recurring themes are a lesson; we are not alone, we are not the only ones, and what we are going through IS survivable. This book includes many stories similar yet different in their own way just as each woman's "coming out" story is hers,and hers alone. This book can be a great "jumping off place" for discussion between a mother and daughter, a teacher and student, coach and player.... there are many mentors out there who can reach out and help young women searching for a way out of the closet. This book is an honest map of the ways these women stayed on the path of life with their daughers. Their writing is sometimes amateur, and reflects that some are still trying to find acceptance within their hearts, and a road back to love for their daughters, but they are trying, and in this book, they've put themselves out there for others to see and from which to find comfort. Friends have told me that now they are aware this book exists, they will retain it in their libraries to call on when a friend or colleague says, "I think my daughter is gay.." or "I'm a lesbian, how do I tell my mom?" and if you haven't yet come out to your mother, this may be the book you should read. If it's been years and your mother is no longer here to talk, read it anyway and share it with friends or relatives in her place. It's a wonderful collection, and a wonderfully powerful book.

I suppose it may be helpful for some mothers to simply know that they're not the only moms whose daughters are gay; however, I was disappointed that not one of the essays actually went into exactly why these women were all so initially distraught. Most wrote about how they came to terms with "the myths and misconceptions," but nobody actually says what they are and how they delt with them! Overall, I didn't find this book to be helpful at all.

Not really needed: another book such as this. This is a tragic story and that is the story that needs to be acknowledged.

I came out to my mom and then read the book, and gave it to her also. I loved it, so did she! The diversity of the contributors is one of the best things about the book, as well as the updates to some contributors to the first edition. Every lesbian should read this book, and give it to her mother!