Danielle

I admit, I read this book because I knew an anime movie was being made of it by Studio Ghibli, so I anticipated the story would be beautiful. It was. It was magical, whimsical, and enchanting.

Very moving story about family, creative oppression, and Seattle.

Entertaining and engaging, in a Lifetime movie sort of way. All the characters have terrible decision making skills. Although the pace clipped along and kept me mildly interested, I had a hard time believing that it's possible that every single one of the characters is as big a mess as they are.

If you've ever loved a parent, or another human for that matter, try to read this book without feeling an overwhelming wave of selfishness and guilt.

How well do we really know someone? How much are we supposed to really know someone? Chances are not enough and more than we allow ourselves.

Please Look After Mom is not a page-turning thriller. It is an opportunity to be honest with ourselves and our fellow humans about the levels of compassion we are comfortable with.

Wish I could give it 2.5 stars. The description of the culture and scenery were magnificent and worth reading for that alone. The plot was meandering, anticlimactic, and barely believable.