Eliza Osborne is a gifted writer as she describes the thoughts of Mattie, a young mother and wife. These thoughts do resonate with me to a certain extent, but I found many of these thoughts to be self-absorbed. I just can't imagine a daughter driving all over at the news of her mother's death. It was extremely sad to think that Mattie only realized that her mother did love her when it was too late to say anything. I loved the writing but didn't really like the main character.

I could really identify with some of the things in this book, and other things made me stop and evaluate myself in light of my mother's possible perspective on my actions and attitudes. I highly recommend this book! The meandering nature of the prose is a very interesting exploration of how a person thinks while driving alone on a highway for hours. :) I can't say that I'm a huge fan of social realism (a.k.a. constant criticism and complaints/observations on everything), but it's good to live an examined life, and Mattie certainly does. Definitely a thought-provoking journey that is worth taking!

I'm still reading this book and it is right on the money! Have you ever felt things that you could never quite put into words? Well, Ms. Osborne, has articulated beautifully some unspoken feelings for me. So much so, that I've actually written down some quotes and read passages to friends. As a librarian, I read all kinds of literature on a regular basis, but there are few that touch you in ways that will stay with you long after the last page is read. This is one that I will definitely recommend to friends and patrons. I've always felt that everyone has at least one really good story to tell and I think that Ms. Osborne outdid herself right off the bat. I found myself smiling and nodding in agreement throughout every chapter. For a writer, I don't think that it could get any better than that when you put your work out there for all to see.