Exploring the Mother-Daughter Bond

I think all mothers, especially those with daughters, will agree that there's something extremely special about the mother-daughter bond. That is the premise for a new book of essays on the subject titled Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond. Because I Love Her was edited by Marin mom and writer Nicki Richesin, and includes short pieces by authors including Joyce Maynard, Sheila Kohler, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Ericka Lutz, and others.

The essays are in turns poignant, profound, funny, uplifting, and comforting. They're all short, and it's the perfect volume for a busy mom to pick up during one of her all-too-rare breaks and take in a story or two. Many of the works included in Because I Love Her remind me of my relationship growing up (and to this day) with my mother, and of course make me consider my relationship with my own 3-year-old daughter and how it will evolve over time.

There will be a book reading from Because I Love Her tonight (Monday, May 4) at 7 pm at Book Passage in Corte Madera, featuring Joyce Maynard, Rachel Sarah, Ericka Lutz, Anne Marie Feld, and Nicki Richesin. Book Passage is located at 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard. If you're in the city, there will be another book reading at Books, Inc. Opera Plaza on Thursday, May 7, at 7 pm. Books, Inc. Opera Plaza is located at 601 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.

Nicki Richesin will also appear on ABC7's View from the Bay on Wednesday, May 6.

Because I Love Her would make a great mother's day gift, either for your own mom or for someone else special to you. You can pick up a copy at local bookstores or on Amazon.com. You could also win a copy by entering our latest giveaway: one lucky Marin Mommies reader will win a copy of Because I Love Her, courtesy of Nicki Richesin! To enter, send an email to contests@marinmommies.com with "Mom" in the subject line no later than Saturday, May 9. We'll select a winner at random on Mother's Day, May 10. Good luck!

Here's a trailer for the book, featuring Nicki and some of the contributors discussing their part in the project.