Thematic Reading for May 2013

I invest tears in reading. 

A friend told me Matrons do the same. 

That is why in my book club I have the title - The Matronic Reader. 

To celebrate Mother's Day, I shall dedicate my tears with these books about Mothers. I am not a mother, but someday I will be. :)

Please Look After Mom is a story of the family's search for the lost mother; Battle Hymn is a Mother/Lawyer's take on her upbringing her kids; and The Last Time I Saw Mother is a reunion with a mother who wrote a letter that she is to reveal something about her past.

Here are their synopses: 

Please Look After Mom. A million-plus-copy best seller in Korea—a magnificent English-language debut poised to become an international sensation—this is the stunning, deeply moving story of a family’s search for their mother, who goes missing one afternoon amid the crowds of the Seoul Station subway.

Told through the piercing voices and urgent perspectives of a daughter, son, husband, and mother, Please Look After Mom is at once an authentic picture of contemporary life in Korea and a universal story of family love.

You will never think of your mother the same way again after you read this book. 

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires.

The Last Time I Saw Mother. Caridad's mother never writes. So when a letter arrives for her in Sydney from Manila, Caridad doesn't even recognize her mother's handwriting. There is more distance than just miles between the two women. And that is why Caridad is called home. Her mother needs to talk. And to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years.

As Caridad hears at last the unspoken stories, and the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, she will learn a startling truth that will change her life forever. For Caridad is not who she thinks she is. . .

A Korean, A Chinese/American, and a Philippine Lit. A healthy dose of the different cultures and different takes of being a mother.

May the Lord of Time bless me to read them all and to shed tears to these mothers. :)