If I saw this book in a bookstore, I probably wouldn't have bought it, but when it was suggested for our book club, I jumped to vote for it. The only other Nancy Friday book I've read is 'My secret garden: women's sexual fantasies', and I loved the way Nancy gave a voice to women. She certainly impressed me, so I knew that Mother would be the perfect, meaty, full-of-issues book to discuss at our all-girls' book club.

It's not a book that you want to rush through and finish as soon as possible – rather, because it does touch on a lot of painful issues we have with our mothers you often feel compelled to put it down and do something mindless.. Even more painful when you realise your 'issue-free' relationship with Mom is actually a lot more complicated than you realised! But the upside is that the book gives you insight into your mother, allows you to see her in another light than just wife and mother. You also gain some understanding about the stupid things you've done as well as how your relationship with your mother has impacted your adult relationships.

The book explores, among other things; competition between women, the different roles little boys and little girls are taught, sex, masturbation, guilt, dependence, mother vs. wife vs. sex goddess, Oedipus complex and self-image.

I am so glad that I got my hands on this book before starting a family… it should be prescribed reading for moms-to-be!