This remarkable book has the power to inspire within you the desire to become a better individual.

In its pages, Oates delicately unfolds a narrative through a series of minor discoveries and experiences that gradually transform her grieving protagonist.

She masterfully conveys the profound impact we have on those around us, especially our children, through our actions and the way we treat others.

It is also a thought-provoking work that will make you reevaluate the brevity of life, regardless of the circumstances.

The first lines, "Last time you see someone and you don't know it will be the last time. And all that you know now, if only you'd known then," set a poignant tone that lingers throughout the book.

As you delve deeper into the story, you can't help but be moved by the lessons it teaches and the emotions it evokes.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true meaning of life and the importance of our relationships with others.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the people in your life and a determination to make a positive difference in the world.

I went to the thrift store accompanied by my daughter. As she was browsing through prom dresses that were far too old for her eleven years, I decided to check out the surprisingly large used book section. Although I'm not the type to just randomly grab books (I'm rather neurotic about checking out books, reading samples, and checking reviews before getting one), I thought that for the really cheap price, why not give it a try? So, after going through the mass-market paperbacks, the mysteries and thrillers, and the Oprah-approved hardbacks, the title "Missing Mom" caught my attention. I had lost my mother about 4 years ago, and to make a long story short, it wasn't a completely sorrowful thing since we didn't have much of a relationship. However, I still long for 'a mom.' I had never read a JCO book before but knew that she was highly revered. I started reading the first couple of pages in the store, and so many things jumped out at me that made me feel nostalgic. It was as if this author and my grandmother (who did raise me) were one and the same, with just some nuance things like lilacs and bread baking and such.

The story begins on Mother's Day. We are introduced to Nikki, the protagonist, who is in her thirties and about to enter her childhood home where her mother is having a Mother's Day dinner for her friends and family, which includes Nikki and her sister, Clare, her husband, and various other people. Nikki is involved with a married man named Wally, who is not approved of by those who know. Wally is sprinkled throughout the story, which takes place over a year, during which Nikki's mother, Gwen, dies. It's not a spoiler to say that Gwen was killed. You learn this quite early on. But it's not just the story that is interesting. Having a mother die and how a person learns to live with that is common enough, but it's the way JCO writes. It's straightforward, not overly literary or flowery, and even though it's not soap opera-ish, it still has just enough juice to keep you a little riveted. Nikki is likable despite being a little narcissistic. I didn't care about everything she wore or how her hair was, but I liked her honest reactions to things. I liked how she described how things happened and how it flowed into the present. The only thing about the story (hence the 4 stars) was that at the end, some things seemed to be thrown in that were unnecessary. But it was still great. I both feel sad and jealous of people who have lost a parent they were close to. Not that I want anyone to feel pain, but I think if my mother had been more of a mother than just about herself, I would feel at least something towards her rather than this indifference. But that's neither here nor there. I recommend this story for people who enjoy the kinds of stories of domestic life, a mixture of Anne Tyler and John Irving.

I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books.

Hjärtekrossande is a Swedish word that means "heartbreaking" or "devastating." It describes a feeling of extreme sadness or emotional pain that can leave a person feeling broken and defeated.

Experiencing something hjärtekrossande can be a life-altering event. It could be the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the failure of a long-held dream. These experiences can cause intense grief, and it may take a long time to heal.

However, it's important to remember that even in the face of hjärtekrossande, there is always hope. With time, support from loved ones, and the strength within ourselves, we can find the courage to move forward and begin to rebuild our lives.

Although the pain may never completely go away, we can learn to live with it and find meaning and purpose in the midst of our suffering. Hjärtekrossande may break our hearts, but it can also make us stronger and more resilient in the end.

I must also point out that I did not like We Were the Mulvaneys.

To be honest, I truly *want* to like Joyce Carol Oates' work. I have great admiration for her prolific-ness. However, this particular story really grated on me.

The world she created in this book felt unappealing and rather drab. The characters seemed to be simpering and lacked depth. The writing, too, struck me as a bit flat and unengaging.

There was no real hook to draw me in and make me invested in the story. Instead, I found myself feeling a sense of distance, indifference, and even annoyance as I read.

Thankfully, I read Foxfire a number of years ago and really enjoyed it. So, I won't give up on JCO just yet.

Besides, I still haven't read Because it is Bitter and Because it is My Heart, which is rumored to be a remarkable story. I'm hoping that this book will be the one that finally makes me a true fan of Joyce Carol Oates.

I really liked this book.

It was extremely well-written, with a captivating style that made it a pleasure to read.

The story is centered around a young woman who is sexually liberated. She has a free and open attitude towards her sexuality, which adds an interesting dimension to her character.

However, her life takes a tragic turn when her mother passes away. This event plunges her into a deep state of grief.

The author does a wonderful job of描绘 the young woman's journey through grief, showing her struggles, her moments of weakness, and her eventual path to healing.

Overall, this book is a powerful and moving read that explores themes of sexuality, grief, and self-discovery.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging novel.

I randomly picked up this book from the library. I had never read anything by JCO before, but I was aware of her reputation. After reading this story, I can truly say that she is an outstanding storyteller!

The narrative in this book is captivating from start to finish. JCO has a remarkable ability to bring the characters and their emotions to life on the page.

This story manages to capture a wide range of emotions, both good and bad. It takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, making them feel joy, sadness, anger, and everything in between.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written story that can touch their heart and make them think. It is a must-read for fans of JCO and for those who are looking for a new and engaging read.

I found the story to be truly fascinating.

It made me realize once again why I have such a deep love for family dramas.

The main character was an extremely interesting person to follow.

She had a rather messy life and didn't have the best relationship with her mom.

And then, to everyone's shock and horror, her mom was found brutally dead.

The aftermath of this tragic event was truly captivating.

The heroine began to realize that there was so much more to her mom than she had ever known.

The plot was very interesting and moved along at a fast pace, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

It was a story that explored the complex relationships within a family and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface.

I can't wait to see how the story unfolds further and what other surprises are in store for the characters.

At first, I had the impression that this particular work seemed a bit drawn out and forgettable when compared to Joyce Carol Oates' other writings.

However, as time passed, it gradually grew on me. I find myself still thinking a great deal about this book, and I'm more than happy to continue calling myself a fan of it.

Here's the best part, though: I STILL THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE WEAKER JCO BOOKS!

Yes, it's official. JCO has become my favorite author. Given the volume of her work, if her weaker efforts can still receive a 4 out of 5 rating, it truly speaks to her excellence.

"The Secret History" remains my all-time favorite book, and I will never tire of singing its praises. However, JCO may have officially surpassed Donna Tartt as my all-time favorite.

This might take some time for me to fully wrap my head around (since I've been proclaiming Tartt as my favorite for years now).

In conclusion, just give JCO's works a read.

I am awarding this particular book a 4 out of 5 stars.

This book is truly a remarkable piece of work.

At every turn of a page, it has this magical ability to tug at my heartstrings and make me feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude towards my mom.

The stories and the emotions it evokes are so powerful that they make me want to run to my mom, wrap my arms around her tightly, and never let go.

It's as if the book is a reminder of the precious bond between a mother and child, and how important it is to cherish and hold onto that connection.

With each passing chapter, I find myself more and more inspired to show my mom just how much she means to me.

This book has truly touched my soul and has made me realize the significance of a mother's love.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a beautiful and heartwarming journey that will leave them with a deeper appreciation for their own moms.

Once again, Oates has managed to give me hours of reading that calling it pleasant would be an understatement.

The story, the characters, and their psychology are crafted with great care. It is like a golden filigree whose workmanship is perfect.

The writing is dry, I would say parched, not a single word that you can say is unnecessary.

And here come the protagonists, both the living and the dead, and their lives, their adventures are with you in the same room, a real and tangible presence and you share their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Because Oates knows how to do this: reproduce with masterful skill the human way of feeling, perceiving, and being. And we readers can do nothing but reflect ourselves in it.

Magnificent.

A must-read.

This is truly an outstanding piece of reading material.

The story commences with Nikki, a strong, contemporary, and independent woman, journeying to her mother's residence for Mother's Day. Gwen, her mother, is ridiculed by Nikki's sister, Clare, an egotistical know-it-all who is, to be honest, a rather unpleasant individual, for being overly nice and trusting. As evidence, Gwen has invited numerous other misfits to 'their' lunch.

At the conclusion of the day, Nikki is relieved to return to her own life in a few towns away and to her married boyfriend whom she is patiently waiting to marry. However, everything undergoes a drastic transformation when, within the week, Gwen is brutally murdered in the garage, and Nikki's and Clare's lives disintegrate in the subsequent chaos.

This is not merely a murder mystery; it is the narrative of Nikki's year of longing for her mother, a year during which everything alters. It is exquisitely written and offers profound insights into how humans respond to intense fear and grief, and how that significantly differs from how we envision ourselves handling a crisis. Highly recommended.

A very fair book on grief. More particularly on the loss of a parent, between the cruel, unsuspected void that sets in and this particular sensation that every child realizes during their life: their mother / father are not only parents but whole beings of their own, a whole part of whose existence necessarily escapes us but which sometimes ends up catching up with us.

This book delves deep into the complex emotions and experiences associated with the loss of a parent. It explores the initial shock and the subsequent stages of mourning, highlighting the unique nature of this kind of grief. The author beautifully captures the essence of how a child perceives the loss, not just as the absence of a caregiver but as the disappearance of someone who held a special place in their world.

Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, the book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and healing. It offers valuable insights into how to come to terms with the reality of loss and find a way to move forward while still honoring the memory of the departed parent. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who has experienced or is dealing with the loss of a parent.