Her Last Death by Susanna Sonnenberg

review by Laura Serra
In a nutshell:  This is the one memoir you’ll wish was fiction. Sonnenberg eloquently recounts the harrowing story of her childhood, born to unfit parents and a mother-daughter relationship that is disturbingly intense.

Indicative quote: “I'm afraid my mother will die. I'm afraid she won't.” It doesn’t get more chilling than that.

Reason I liked it: Her Last Death is like a self-help book without the sales pitch. By reading about Sonnenberg's life, especially as a fellow woman, you can't help but reflect on your relationship with your mother. Chances are, you give your mom more grief than she deserves and after reading about the kinds of things that Sonnenberg had to deal (her mother giving her cocaine and teaching her how to lie), you might find yourself feeling a bit more appreciative.

You’ll like this book if you liked:  James Frey's A Million Little Pieces or Augusten Burrough's Running with Scissors 

Book club ideas:  Since it's every girl's worst nightmare to turn into her mother, invite your mom over along with all of your girlfriend’s and their mothers. Dress like your mom and have her dress like you for kicks. Despite your best efforts, you’re probably more like your mom than you think and your friends know it! Go around the table and tell your girlfriends exactly how they're like their mothers. It’s bound to create some sisterhood laughs.

Verdict:  If you're an emotional person and enjoy a good heart-string tug, this is the book for you. Caution: keep a Kleenex box nearby. Not suitable for the subway.

Perfect present for: 

1. Your mom
2. A girlfriend who thinks she's nothing like her mother (when she really is)
3. A girlfriend who struggles with her own mother-daughter relationship.
4. A new mom