Not becoming my mother

Reichl has always had a peculiar relationship with her mother, a love-hate, an adore-loate, a respect-revolt relationship. Her mother, Miriam, longed to be a doctor, but her parents refused, saying if she became a doctor she'd never fulfill the only real purpose a woman should have in life: to find a husband. So Miriam complied and got a degree she didn't want, married a man she didn't love, gave up a career she desired, and had children she never wanted.

Reichl uses her mother's letters and journals to tell her mother's story, a cautionary tale for Ruth, of course, but also for women everywhere.