What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Mother
The one he loves most, is the one he knows least.
Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons is dealing with a lot. His father's sudden death; his mother's new husband, Glen, who he loathes; his two younger siblings, who he looks after more and more now that his mother works extra shifts.
And then one day, Michael wakes up and his mother is gone. In her place is an exact, duplicate mother. The 'other mother'. No one else seems to notice the real version is missing. His brother, his sister, and even Glen act as if everything's normal. But Michael knows in his heart that this mother is not his. And he begins to panic.
What follows is a big-hearted coming-of-age story of a boy struggling with an unusual disorder that poses unparalleled challenges--but also, as he discovers, offers him unique opportunities.
Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons is dealing with a lot. His father's sudden death; his mother's new husband, Glen, who he loathes; his two younger siblings, who he looks after more and more now that his mother works extra shifts.
And then one day, Michael wakes up and his mother is gone. In her place is an exact, duplicate mother. The 'other mother'. No one else seems to notice the real version is missing. His brother, his sister, and even Glen act as if everything's normal. But Michael knows in his heart that this mother is not his. And he begins to panic.
What follows is a big-hearted coming-of-age story of a boy struggling with an unusual disorder that poses unparalleled challenges--but also, as he discovers, offers him unique opportunities.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 6, 2019
About the author
Matthew Dicks
9 books1,099 followersMatthew Dicks is the internationally bestselling author of the novels Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, Something Missing, Unexpectedly, Milo, The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs, and the upcoming novels The Other Mother and Cardboard Knight, as well as the nonfiction Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Art of Storytelling. His novels have been translated into more than 25 languages worldwide.
Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend was the 2014 Dolly Gray Award winner and was nominated for a 2017 Nutmeg Award in Connecticut. Matthew was also awarded first prize in 2016 and second prize in 2017 in the Magazine/Humorous Column category by the CT Society of Professional Journalists.
He is also the author of the rock opera The Clowns and the musicals Caught in the Middle, Sticks & Stones, and Summertime. He has written comic books for Double Take comics. He is a columnist for Seasons magazine and has published work in Reader's Digest, The Hartford Courant, Parents magazine, The Huffington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor. He was awarded first prize for opinion writing in 2015 by the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists.
When not hunched over a computer screen, Matthew fills his days as an elementary school teacher, a storyteller, a speaking coach, a blogger, a wedding DJ, a minister, a life coach, and a Lord of Sealand. He has been teaching for 20 years and is a former West Hartford Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
Matthew is a 35-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 5-time GrandSLAM champion whose stories have been featured on their nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour and their weekly podcast. He has also told stories for This American Life, TED, The Colin McEnroe Show, The Story Collider, The Liar Show, Literary Death Match, The Mouth, and many others. He has performed in such venues as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Wilbur Theater, The Academy of Music in North Hampton, CT, The Bynam Theater of Pittsburgh, The Bell House in NYC, The Lebanon Opera House, Boston University, and Infinity Hall in Hartford, CT.
He is a regular guest on several Slate podcasts, including The Gist, where he teaches storytelling.
Matthew is also the co-founder and creative director of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization that produces shows throughout New England. He teaches storytelling and public speaking to individuals, corporations, and school districts around the world. He has most recently taught at Yale University, The University of Connecticut Law School, Purdue University, The Connecticut Historical Society, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Miss Porter's School, The Berkshire School, and Graded School in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Matthew is the creator and co-host of Boy vs. Girl, a podcast about gender and gender stereotypes.
Matthew is married to friend and fellow teacher, Elysha, and they have two children, Clara and Charlie. He grew up in the small town of Blackstone, Massachusetts, where he made a name for himself by dying twice before the age of eighteen and becoming the first student in his high school to be suspended for inciting riot upon himself.
Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend was the 2014 Dolly Gray Award winner and was nominated for a 2017 Nutmeg Award in Connecticut. Matthew was also awarded first prize in 2016 and second prize in 2017 in the Magazine/Humorous Column category by the CT Society of Professional Journalists.
He is also the author of the rock opera The Clowns and the musicals Caught in the Middle, Sticks & Stones, and Summertime. He has written comic books for Double Take comics. He is a columnist for Seasons magazine and has published work in Reader's Digest, The Hartford Courant, Parents magazine, The Huffington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor. He was awarded first prize for opinion writing in 2015 by the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists.
When not hunched over a computer screen, Matthew fills his days as an elementary school teacher, a storyteller, a speaking coach, a blogger, a wedding DJ, a minister, a life coach, and a Lord of Sealand. He has been teaching for 20 years and is a former West Hartford Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
Matthew is a 35-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 5-time GrandSLAM champion whose stories have been featured on their nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour and their weekly podcast. He has also told stories for This American Life, TED, The Colin McEnroe Show, The Story Collider, The Liar Show, Literary Death Match, The Mouth, and many others. He has performed in such venues as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Wilbur Theater, The Academy of Music in North Hampton, CT, The Bynam Theater of Pittsburgh, The Bell House in NYC, The Lebanon Opera House, Boston University, and Infinity Hall in Hartford, CT.
He is a regular guest on several Slate podcasts, including The Gist, where he teaches storytelling.
Matthew is also the co-founder and creative director of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization that produces shows throughout New England. He teaches storytelling and public speaking to individuals, corporations, and school districts around the world. He has most recently taught at Yale University, The University of Connecticut Law School, Purdue University, The Connecticut Historical Society, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Miss Porter's School, The Berkshire School, and Graded School in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Matthew is the creator and co-host of Boy vs. Girl, a podcast about gender and gender stereotypes.
Matthew is married to friend and fellow teacher, Elysha, and they have two children, Clara and Charlie. He grew up in the small town of Blackstone, Massachusetts, where he made a name for himself by dying twice before the age of eighteen and becoming the first student in his high school to be suspended for inciting riot upon himself.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
October 17, 2020
A heartfelt, dramatic, smart story with a delicious twist!
Welcome to thirteen years old Michael’s world who is really angry, frustrated, lost after losing his father two years ago, dealing with siblings who are making him want to jump down from the window, an irritating stepfather always gets into his nerves and a mother who is an intruder, body snatcher who is not his mother- she is definitely fake and he needs to know what happened to her real mother, did this woman kidnap her? Is she really all right? Can he save her by interrogating this doppelgänger and learn her whereabouts! -
How did you find the story so far? If it picks your interest, come in, join this moving, surprising, well-written ride which is told by young and troubled boy’s POV!
Michael misses his father, suffering from anger management issues, seeing school therapist, standing up to school’s bullies, taking care of his siblings even though he hardly stands their quirky antics and collecting money to pay his debt to his stepfather.
Let’s not forget his obsessive thoughts about his mother’s replacement. He truly believes the woman stands at their kitchen, cooking breakfast for them is not their mother!
He also keeps a big secret for two years from his family and as soon as he meets with his new neighbor, he feels like he finally finds somebody he can fully trust and share his some of his secrets.
This is brilliantly written coming of age story from a young boy’s perspective. There are some things a little bothered me: I wanted to know more about Michael’s father to understand his grief process and how his loss changed his family’s life completely. It could be a little longer so I can spend more time in Michael’s head for deeply connecting with him.
There are so missing and some irrelevant pieces at the story but thankfully those irrelevant ones complete the puzzle at the end.
I mostly enjoyed my reading and giving my four young age, resentment, pain, loss, sadness, family stars!
This is of the unique, original, realistic and moving readings I had lately !
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital copy of remarkable novel with me in exchange my honest review.
Welcome to thirteen years old Michael’s world who is really angry, frustrated, lost after losing his father two years ago, dealing with siblings who are making him want to jump down from the window, an irritating stepfather always gets into his nerves and a mother who is an intruder, body snatcher who is not his mother- she is definitely fake and he needs to know what happened to her real mother, did this woman kidnap her? Is she really all right? Can he save her by interrogating this doppelgänger and learn her whereabouts! -
How did you find the story so far? If it picks your interest, come in, join this moving, surprising, well-written ride which is told by young and troubled boy’s POV!
Michael misses his father, suffering from anger management issues, seeing school therapist, standing up to school’s bullies, taking care of his siblings even though he hardly stands their quirky antics and collecting money to pay his debt to his stepfather.
Let’s not forget his obsessive thoughts about his mother’s replacement. He truly believes the woman stands at their kitchen, cooking breakfast for them is not their mother!
He also keeps a big secret for two years from his family and as soon as he meets with his new neighbor, he feels like he finally finds somebody he can fully trust and share his some of his secrets.
This is brilliantly written coming of age story from a young boy’s perspective. There are some things a little bothered me: I wanted to know more about Michael’s father to understand his grief process and how his loss changed his family’s life completely. It could be a little longer so I can spend more time in Michael’s head for deeply connecting with him.
There are so missing and some irrelevant pieces at the story but thankfully those irrelevant ones complete the puzzle at the end.
I mostly enjoyed my reading and giving my four young age, resentment, pain, loss, sadness, family stars!
This is of the unique, original, realistic and moving readings I had lately !
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital copy of remarkable novel with me in exchange my honest review.
December 9, 2020
4.5 stars
I had enjoyed another book by Matthew Dicks, Twenty-one Truths About Love, so I just dove into this one without reading the publisher synopsis ahead of time. I absolutely adored this book. Maybe the main character, Michael, isn’t for everyone, but man, I’m glad I got the chance to be part of his world for a bit.
Michael is a 13 year old boy and he's dealing with some stuff. One of his problems is he doesn't believe is mother is truly his mother. No, this isn't some adoption thing. Michael thinks that the woman at his home who looks like his mother and talks like his mother, is actually some type of imposter. I'm sure that sounds weird and confusing but that's due to my lack of writing talent. Just read the book and it will all make sense.
There was just something about this character that drew me in right away. To say I was emotionally invested in Michael is spot on. The story takes place over a short period of time and it's not an action filled plot. But there is so much substance and heart that it isn't some simple story, it truly was a worthwhile read.
I recommend checking this one out. Don't discount it just because the story is told from a child's perspective. It's kinda like watching the show, The Wonder Years, as you will probably appreciate it more because you are an adult.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me with an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
I had enjoyed another book by Matthew Dicks, Twenty-one Truths About Love, so I just dove into this one without reading the publisher synopsis ahead of time. I absolutely adored this book. Maybe the main character, Michael, isn’t for everyone, but man, I’m glad I got the chance to be part of his world for a bit.
Michael is a 13 year old boy and he's dealing with some stuff. One of his problems is he doesn't believe is mother is truly his mother. No, this isn't some adoption thing. Michael thinks that the woman at his home who looks like his mother and talks like his mother, is actually some type of imposter. I'm sure that sounds weird and confusing but that's due to my lack of writing talent. Just read the book and it will all make sense.
There was just something about this character that drew me in right away. To say I was emotionally invested in Michael is spot on. The story takes place over a short period of time and it's not an action filled plot. But there is so much substance and heart that it isn't some simple story, it truly was a worthwhile read.
I recommend checking this one out. Don't discount it just because the story is told from a child's perspective. It's kinda like watching the show, The Wonder Years, as you will probably appreciate it more because you are an adult.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me with an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 20, 2020
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
This was a very solid book, the only reason why I gave it 4 stars is that parts of the book felt or read a bit clunky to me. I think I needed some more backstory on a lot of things such as Michael's aunt. Also I wish that the author had explained more explicitly if Michael was diagnosed with ADHD. I think some reviewers guessed that and other things too, but I wondered a few times. I also thought that the book would have been better if we got more insight into Michael's father. There are clues here and there, but you don't put it all together until almost the very end.
"The Other Mother" follows 13 year old Michael Parsons. He's dealing with the fallout from his father's death two years earlier. He is also responsible for his younger sister and brother and has to go and collect money owed his stepfather Glen. Michael also has to meet with the school therapist as well. When Michael wakes up one day though he realizes that his mother is not his mother anymore. Instead his mother has been replaced by someone else, the 'other mother' and Michael plans on doing what he can to make sure that he tells him where his mother is so he can save her.
The story is told through Michael's POV. I assume that Michael has ADHD and possibly something else. You get to read about the strategies he is supposed to do before reacting to people. And you read a lot about his temper and how he has hit others when he is angry. That said, you feel for him. He lost his father when he was 11 and we slowly find out about a secret that he has been harboring the past two years. He doesn't understand why his mother remarried Glen especially since she has to work so hard to support everyone. He loves his siblings though they also drive him up the wall. When the next door neighbor Sara and him start to spend time together, Michael wonders if he has found someone to confide in finally.
I think the writing was very good and the flow was a bit off here and there. I had to re-read a few paragraphs and sentences a few times to just make sure I understood where things were going. This book is so heartbreaking at times. You get to see how Michael's relationship with his mother has changed. You also get to see what was going on with his relationship with his father before he passed too. There's a lot of missing puzzle pieces that don't make sense until you get to the end of the book.
I think ultimately this book is about the secrets that families keep in order to protect one another, even when doing so can lead to more harm.
This was a very solid book, the only reason why I gave it 4 stars is that parts of the book felt or read a bit clunky to me. I think I needed some more backstory on a lot of things such as Michael's aunt. Also I wish that the author had explained more explicitly if Michael was diagnosed with ADHD. I think some reviewers guessed that and other things too, but I wondered a few times. I also thought that the book would have been better if we got more insight into Michael's father. There are clues here and there, but you don't put it all together until almost the very end.
"The Other Mother" follows 13 year old Michael Parsons. He's dealing with the fallout from his father's death two years earlier. He is also responsible for his younger sister and brother and has to go and collect money owed his stepfather Glen. Michael also has to meet with the school therapist as well. When Michael wakes up one day though he realizes that his mother is not his mother anymore. Instead his mother has been replaced by someone else, the 'other mother' and Michael plans on doing what he can to make sure that he tells him where his mother is so he can save her.
The story is told through Michael's POV. I assume that Michael has ADHD and possibly something else. You get to read about the strategies he is supposed to do before reacting to people. And you read a lot about his temper and how he has hit others when he is angry. That said, you feel for him. He lost his father when he was 11 and we slowly find out about a secret that he has been harboring the past two years. He doesn't understand why his mother remarried Glen especially since she has to work so hard to support everyone. He loves his siblings though they also drive him up the wall. When the next door neighbor Sara and him start to spend time together, Michael wonders if he has found someone to confide in finally.
I think the writing was very good and the flow was a bit off here and there. I had to re-read a few paragraphs and sentences a few times to just make sure I understood where things were going. This book is so heartbreaking at times. You get to see how Michael's relationship with his mother has changed. You also get to see what was going on with his relationship with his father before he passed too. There's a lot of missing puzzle pieces that don't make sense until you get to the end of the book.
I think ultimately this book is about the secrets that families keep in order to protect one another, even when doing so can lead to more harm.
December 3, 2020
2 stars, maybe 2.5. This book just wasn't for me.
Eight grader, Michael, is struggling with his mental health. The book starts with Michael saying his mother has been replaced with a replica who acts and sounds like his mother but is not his mother. No one else around him notices that this other mother is not the Michael's mother. Michael has ADD and behavioural issues. His dad passed away two years ago and he hates his new stepfather.
This book isn't what I was expecting. I was expecting more of a horror type book or something Coraline like. It was told from the perspective of Michael and I do think the author did a good job of capturing a child's voice. But it felt like it had no plot. It was just Michael being convinced for 2 days that his mom had been replaced and then realizing she hadn't been. It was a quick read at least but I felt unsatisfied by the ending and didn't understand what the point of this book even was. It was heartwarming to see Michael and his mother have an honest conversation at the end and for Michael to make friends with their neighbour. But otherwise I felt bored in a lot of parts and kept reading in the hopes the plot would pick up and get interesting. This never happened and I didn't like the book. It was dull and lacked in plot. I usually don't mind books that really don't have much to the plot other than telling the characters stories but this one just didn't pull me in. I found the characters a bit flat and kept wishing for something interesting to happen. Nothing did though, to my disappoint. This one was not for me and I didn't care for it.
Overall, I found the book to be dull. I could see some people liking this if you want a heartwarming story told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
Eight grader, Michael, is struggling with his mental health. The book starts with Michael saying his mother has been replaced with a replica who acts and sounds like his mother but is not his mother. No one else around him notices that this other mother is not the Michael's mother. Michael has ADD and behavioural issues. His dad passed away two years ago and he hates his new stepfather.
This book isn't what I was expecting. I was expecting more of a horror type book or something Coraline like. It was told from the perspective of Michael and I do think the author did a good job of capturing a child's voice. But it felt like it had no plot. It was just Michael being convinced for 2 days that his mom had been replaced and then realizing she hadn't been. It was a quick read at least but I felt unsatisfied by the ending and didn't understand what the point of this book even was. It was heartwarming to see Michael and his mother have an honest conversation at the end and for Michael to make friends with their neighbour. But otherwise I felt bored in a lot of parts and kept reading in the hopes the plot would pick up and get interesting. This never happened and I didn't like the book. It was dull and lacked in plot. I usually don't mind books that really don't have much to the plot other than telling the characters stories but this one just didn't pull me in. I found the characters a bit flat and kept wishing for something interesting to happen. Nothing did though, to my disappoint. This one was not for me and I didn't care for it.
Overall, I found the book to be dull. I could see some people liking this if you want a heartwarming story told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
June 22, 2019
I am beyond shooketh, words cannot express.
I read this all in one go and cried at least 11 times. I don't do either of these things often. As a bookseller I will be shoving it in people's faces as often as I can.
I read this all in one go and cried at least 11 times. I don't do either of these things often. As a bookseller I will be shoving it in people's faces as often as I can.
March 10, 2021
I requested this book on Netgalley and I'm so glad I did!
Even though the title brings Gaiman's Coraline to mind, this book isn't horror. The protagonist has Capgras Syndrome and thinks his mother has been replaced by an imposter. First of all, a very unique premise and one that sent me a-searching, which was how I found out about Fregoli Syndrome. Just thinking about the confusion, anxiety, and pain that people who have either of the syndromes must be going through makes me beyond sad!
Secondly, the book was written from the POV of a teenager. The way they describe their daily schedule, how they must see the school counselor each day, and the realization of their own shortcomings when it comes to emotional cues and responses -- all of it was done so well.
Thirdly, as I read, I hoped that the protagonist's broken family would get a happy ending. They do but I found it too sweet and unrealistic.
To sum up, I really enjoyed this story and the emotional rollercoaster ride it took me on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
Ну с лопатой, конечно, богатое решение
June 20, 2024
I went into this pretty unknowing expecting some sort of mystery/Coraline-esque story. Emotional sucker punches and heart wrenching galore. I found little parts of myself showing up and feeling validated so truthfully in the way that Michael had to navigate some extremely hard/scary things. MD writes really genuine and authentically complex characters.
August 27, 2020
Matthew Dicks has a wonderful ability to write from a child’s POV. Charlie is 14, has lost his Dad, and believes his mother is not his mother, but some strange interloper. But he’s also the best big brother you could ever ask for, he’s heartbreakingly lonely, has anger management issues, and is a hero who stands up to bullies. It’s impossible not to root for this kid. As he falls in love, struggles with trauma, and finds new confidantes, I was completely charmed by his story. Loved it.
December 14, 2023
The Other Mother was a big-hearted coming-of-age story about a boy struggling with an unusual disorder. This novel was filled with emotion, pain and joy, and addressed many topics ranging from children of deceased parents, to anger management, to helicopter parenting.
The main character, Michael, was a captivating narrator. He had a strong, raw and unique voice. Michael faced many trials and tribulations, and despite all his troubles, his big heart continued to shine through as he fought for the people he loved, and for himself. Not only was Michael a strong, well developed character, the rest of the characters were equally complex, dynamic and loveable.
I couldn’t help but wallow in the author’s portrayal of Michael. I was amazed how Matthew Dicks characterized the fourteen year old boy and his inner thoughts and dialogues. It made for an appealing aspect to Michael’s character.
All in all, Matthew Dicks wrote a beautifully big hearted novel on empathy and forgiveness that resonated with me and is one novel that will long stay forever in my reading repertoire. (Audio)
The main character, Michael, was a captivating narrator. He had a strong, raw and unique voice. Michael faced many trials and tribulations, and despite all his troubles, his big heart continued to shine through as he fought for the people he loved, and for himself. Not only was Michael a strong, well developed character, the rest of the characters were equally complex, dynamic and loveable.
I couldn’t help but wallow in the author’s portrayal of Michael. I was amazed how Matthew Dicks characterized the fourteen year old boy and his inner thoughts and dialogues. It made for an appealing aspect to Michael’s character.
All in all, Matthew Dicks wrote a beautifully big hearted novel on empathy and forgiveness that resonated with me and is one novel that will long stay forever in my reading repertoire. (Audio)
Read
May 28, 2021Rating and review to follow.
March 6, 2021
Unlike anything I've ever read before. Michael is so authentic, raw, flawed, and heroic.
March 2, 2020
My three-word description of
The Other Mother
by
Matthew Green
is uplifting, heartbreaking and raw.
Book Synopsis:
The one he loves most, is the one he knows least.
Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons is dealing with a lot. His father's sudden death; his mother's new husband, Glen, who he loathes; his two younger siblings, who he looks after more and more now his mother works extra shifts.
And then one day, Michael wakes up and his mother is gone. In her place is an exact, duplicate mother. The 'other mother'. No one else seems to notice the real version is missing. His brother, his sister and even Glen act as if everything's normal. But Michael knows in his heart that this mother is not his. And he begins to panic.
What follows is a big-hearted coming-of-age story of a boy struggling with an unusual disorder that poses unparalleled challenges - but also, as he discovers, offers him unique opportunities.
My Musings:
I found this a compelling and hugely emotional story. Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons faces enormous challenges, every single day of his life. This amazing story charts his progress as he comes-of-age. It is about growing up, not fitting in and trying to cope with loss and grief and Michael is a character whom it was impossible not to love. Never having heard of the psychological condition described in the book before, I found those parts absolutely fascinating. Beautifully written, Matthew Green's characterisation was first-class, making The Other Mother a delight to read. Key details were reserved and then slowly revealed at optimum times, for maximum impact. Although the book's focus was on challenge and adversity, there were several uplifting scenes sprinkled here and there, which helped to prevent the story from becoming too dark. I had no issues with The Other Mother, and for me it was a really enjoyable read.
Verdict:
Very highly recommended, with confidence.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Corsair via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Book Synopsis:
The one he loves most, is the one he knows least.
Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons is dealing with a lot. His father's sudden death; his mother's new husband, Glen, who he loathes; his two younger siblings, who he looks after more and more now his mother works extra shifts.
And then one day, Michael wakes up and his mother is gone. In her place is an exact, duplicate mother. The 'other mother'. No one else seems to notice the real version is missing. His brother, his sister and even Glen act as if everything's normal. But Michael knows in his heart that this mother is not his. And he begins to panic.
What follows is a big-hearted coming-of-age story of a boy struggling with an unusual disorder that poses unparalleled challenges - but also, as he discovers, offers him unique opportunities.
My Musings:
I found this a compelling and hugely emotional story. Thirteen-year-old Michael Parsons faces enormous challenges, every single day of his life. This amazing story charts his progress as he comes-of-age. It is about growing up, not fitting in and trying to cope with loss and grief and Michael is a character whom it was impossible not to love. Never having heard of the psychological condition described in the book before, I found those parts absolutely fascinating. Beautifully written, Matthew Green's characterisation was first-class, making The Other Mother a delight to read. Key details were reserved and then slowly revealed at optimum times, for maximum impact. Although the book's focus was on challenge and adversity, there were several uplifting scenes sprinkled here and there, which helped to prevent the story from becoming too dark. I had no issues with The Other Mother, and for me it was a really enjoyable read.
Verdict:
Very highly recommended, with confidence.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Corsair via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 16, 2020
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book hit very close to home for me because my sister went through something similar to Michael when we were younger. For a week or so, she believed our parents had been replaced by jinns. At the time, I thought it was insane, but reading this really made me realize how difficult and scary it must have been for her, to believe the two people you're supposed to trust most in the world are imposters here to harm you. I cried so many times while reading this, and I'm currently crying while writing this review. Not only is this book incredibly hard hitting, it also has an incredible narrator with a super original voice who you can't help but root for. I would give this more than five stars if I could.
This book hit very close to home for me because my sister went through something similar to Michael when we were younger. For a week or so, she believed our parents had been replaced by jinns. At the time, I thought it was insane, but reading this really made me realize how difficult and scary it must have been for her, to believe the two people you're supposed to trust most in the world are imposters here to harm you. I cried so many times while reading this, and I'm currently crying while writing this review. Not only is this book incredibly hard hitting, it also has an incredible narrator with a super original voice who you can't help but root for. I would give this more than five stars if I could.
March 16, 2021
I LOVED this. Explores the ways people can let us down with their imperfections from the viewpoint of a neurodivergent character. Mrs. Newfang was my favorite character besides Michael.
November 10, 2020
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Other Mother.
You can guess what books I prefer to read when I read the blurb and thought it had a supernatural/horror element to it.
I'm still pleased when my request was approved because even after I started reading it, I was intrigued though after I finished it, I can firmly say this book belongs in the YA category.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Michael Parsons is a troubled fourteen-year old. His father died several years ago of a heart attack.
His mother is married to a lazy louse, his stepfather, Glen. And Michael has behavioral issues. And a terrible secret.
To make things worse, Michael wakes up one morning and goes downstairs to find that his mother has been replaced by a copy. A dupe.
Sort of like Invasion of the Body Snatchers but that's not real, Michael concludes, so it has to be an abduction or kidnapping of some kind.
As he works out where his true mother is, Michael soon comes to realize his issues with his mother are related to his personal demons.
This was a heavy read, especially for YA. The themes (suicide, bullying, depression and mental health issues) are not for the faint of heart, and I'm not 14 years old anymore and I still found certain chapters and scenes hard to read, mostly because the author writes with such compassion, emotion and sentiment.
Michael Parsons is a relatable, though not unlikable person. He knows he has problems. He speaks to a counselor on the regular.
But, he is a good brother to his siblings, and a good son.
He is aware of his limitations and unlike most people, including adults, he is trying to do better, though he admits it's not easy being like everyone else, especially when you're not.
The Other Mother is about family and coping with death, learning to speak about the subjects we're afraid to speak about but should discuss, and that living is never easy, especially when you lose someone you love.
Some readers may enjoy this, though it's not for everyone, especially if you're looking for something thrilling or suspenseful.
Parts of the narrative dragged, especially since Michael's POV tends to meander from subject to subject; from annoying classmates, teachers he despises, and random flashbacks to the past when he and his father spent time together.
The author did a good job with Michael; I could hear his voice clearly in my head, imagine the way he interacted with his siblings, mother and classmates.
The tone was moody, kind of dark, honest, but the ending is optimistic and hopeful.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Other Mother.
You can guess what books I prefer to read when I read the blurb and thought it had a supernatural/horror element to it.
I'm still pleased when my request was approved because even after I started reading it, I was intrigued though after I finished it, I can firmly say this book belongs in the YA category.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Michael Parsons is a troubled fourteen-year old. His father died several years ago of a heart attack.
His mother is married to a lazy louse, his stepfather, Glen. And Michael has behavioral issues. And a terrible secret.
To make things worse, Michael wakes up one morning and goes downstairs to find that his mother has been replaced by a copy. A dupe.
Sort of like Invasion of the Body Snatchers but that's not real, Michael concludes, so it has to be an abduction or kidnapping of some kind.
As he works out where his true mother is, Michael soon comes to realize his issues with his mother are related to his personal demons.
This was a heavy read, especially for YA. The themes (suicide, bullying, depression and mental health issues) are not for the faint of heart, and I'm not 14 years old anymore and I still found certain chapters and scenes hard to read, mostly because the author writes with such compassion, emotion and sentiment.
Michael Parsons is a relatable, though not unlikable person. He knows he has problems. He speaks to a counselor on the regular.
But, he is a good brother to his siblings, and a good son.
He is aware of his limitations and unlike most people, including adults, he is trying to do better, though he admits it's not easy being like everyone else, especially when you're not.
The Other Mother is about family and coping with death, learning to speak about the subjects we're afraid to speak about but should discuss, and that living is never easy, especially when you lose someone you love.
Some readers may enjoy this, though it's not for everyone, especially if you're looking for something thrilling or suspenseful.
Parts of the narrative dragged, especially since Michael's POV tends to meander from subject to subject; from annoying classmates, teachers he despises, and random flashbacks to the past when he and his father spent time together.
The author did a good job with Michael; I could hear his voice clearly in my head, imagine the way he interacted with his siblings, mother and classmates.
The tone was moody, kind of dark, honest, but the ending is optimistic and hopeful.
January 19, 2021
I could not put this book down. I entered Michael's world instantly and felt all his fears, guilt and anxiety. Michael's father had suddenly passed away 2 years ago and he misses him terribly. He also has a secret that is eating at him. One morning he wakes up and his mother isn't his mother. She looks the same and acts the same but deep in his heart she is not his mother. He is on a mission to find out what happened to his real mother. He doesn't like his stepfather and he is overwhelmed with responsibilities his mother has bestowed on him. He becomes friends with Sarah and she opens his eyes to what he is feeling. His counselor and his father's school friend help him open up and reveal his secret. So beautifully written.
December 12, 2020
The Other Mother is about a boy who has closed him self off after his dad passing away. He carries a lot of secrets , that really burden him. Mike is of the illusion that someone has taken over his mother. She looks the same and everyone thinks she is the real mother but she is a different mother to Mike, He is on a quest to figure out where his real mother is. Through this quest he must break down barriers and walls and share his secrets and open up his heart. A beautiful look into a teenage boys struggles and thoughts, insecurities and how he ends up pulling himself out of it.
Thank you St.Martins Press and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you St.Martins Press and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2022
Me reading this book: https://youtu.be/a8jw0TvnWiw
This book was really good. It started off slow but it picked up as it went on.
A really interesting examination of familial love hngnhghgghgnghgh my emotions. Micheal's family is not perfect, and it's hard and he's resentful but he still loves them. As Grunkle Stan said, "It's just like my life.....in a way."
There was one absolutely major typo where Sarah was referred to as Julia (Micheal's sister)
I don't know what else to say but yeah. Emotional, very good book. All other thoughts I have are spoilers.
Someone send this book to uncarley.
This book was really good. It started off slow but it picked up as it went on.
A really interesting examination of familial love hngnhghgghgnghgh my emotions. Micheal's family is not perfect, and it's hard and he's resentful but he still loves them. As Grunkle Stan said, "It's just like my life.....in a way."
There was one absolutely major typo where Sarah was referred to as Julia (Micheal's sister)
I don't know what else to say but yeah. Emotional, very good book. All other thoughts I have are spoilers.
Someone send this book to uncarley.
April 4, 2021
i was touched by this book. i feel the main character was portrayed in such a real, tortured way that you had to follow him along his path as he tried to make sense of the world around him and his own life. i do think the ending was a little rushed and that sarah was awfully mature and insightful for a young teen. i found myself teary eyed on several occasions so keep those tissues near. i will read other books by this author based on this book.
December 17, 2023
Quick read! I loved the way the author narrated Michael’s character. It was witty and honest and you couldn’t help but root for Michael throughout this book. Told from his 13 yr old perspective, Michael struggles with some mental health issues, however he has the biggest heart. Loved this one! Thanks for the rec and loan, Jackie! 🩵💙
May 24, 2021
I thought this was going to be a mystery type book, but I was way off. Turns out it's a beautiful story about loss and grief and loneliness. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down. Great book.
July 30, 2022
This was a top book for me this year. It was a book I needed (and didn’t know I needed). It’s told from an 8th grade boys perspective over a few days where a lot happens. The author did an amazing job of seeing the world through those eyes. Many of the quotes will stay with me for years to come ❤️
November 5, 2022
Picked up on a whim and ended up being just what I needed. A unique story of a turning point 48 hours in a 13 year old boy’s life. Not shelved as young adult, but could be. Quite sweet.
Read
January 8, 2023“Telling a secret is like changing the world forever.”
What an original, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story!
August 11, 2022
Profound in ways I didn't see coming, and is easily in the top 50 books I've read. Not a plot-driven book, read this book for the characters and writing.
June 26, 2021
I started this book thinking it was a mom read. Oh no. This was a terrific high school book! It was like Perks of Being a Wallflower met the Incident of the Dog in the Night time. I loved it. Warm delightful funny and unexpected.
June 9, 2024
Meh, the story was fine. I just took issue with the amount of typos in this book. Probably the most I have ever seen. They put “they” instead of “the” probably 5 times. And mixed names around once or twice. How does that even happen??? How does someone not notice that before it gets published???
July 8, 2021
This was a clunky read. Can I also at this point petition the bestselling authors who write blind positive blurb reviews for the book-jacket and ask them to please stop? This one had a number of them from big name authors who had clearly not read the book. Why is this farce still carried out?
When the book started out it reminded me of Bachman’s my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry and I was ready to invest in the story of the young narrator, but the writing just wasn’t strong enough.
At one point, I was hoping it would take a Neil Gaiman-esque turn because surely the mystery in the yellow envelope couldn’t be solved with the most obvious solution. But guess what Dear reader? It was.
It was also weirdly colour blind which seemed like a cop-out to me because I really wanted to know the characters better.
The only parts I liked were the characterization of the teachers and the way the politics of being a school going child is played out.
I would pass on this one.
When the book started out it reminded me of Bachman’s my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry and I was ready to invest in the story of the young narrator, but the writing just wasn’t strong enough.
At one point, I was hoping it would take a Neil Gaiman-esque turn because surely the mystery in the yellow envelope couldn’t be solved with the most obvious solution. But guess what Dear reader? It was.
It was also weirdly colour blind which seemed like a cop-out to me because I really wanted to know the characters better.
The only parts I liked were the characterization of the teachers and the way the politics of being a school going child is played out.
I would pass on this one.
December 16, 2020
Matthew Dicks explores the inner lives of people with mental differences like no one else. In this one, the young protagonist has to fight not only his own inner demons that lead him to react physically under stress, but also the secret he holds about his father's death and the responsibilities he has to care for his younger siblings. In many ways this is a young adult book: there is a budding romance, bullying in middle school, and growing understanding of a parent. The school counselor that Michael meets with is compassionate and makes a difference! The elderly neighbor who listens to him also show him the way as does Sarah, a very patient young adult. I'm not sure how realistic any of that is, but it makes the book hard to put down. A good read for troubling times. Thank you to Netgalley for this prepub edition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews