The Mother Daughter Show

BOOK: The Mother Daughter Show

AUTHOR: Natalie Wexler

GRADE: B-

In this fluffy debut from Ms. Wexler, we’re introduced to the mothers and daughters of D.C. prep school Barton Friends. In keeping with the school tradition, the mothers of these prep-schoolers are diving into an end of the year parents’ musical – to be performed in front of their (not so) little girls right before graduation. Years past have seen these rehearsals dissolve into fist fights and property destruction – but this year’s crop of super moms are determined not to let that happen to them… and to put on the best damn show possible for their girls.

Naturally, all does not go off without a hitch. Were you really expecting something different? Skeletons come out of the closet. Eating disorders are discovered. Year long friendships are tested and barely stand the test of time. Wexler’s novel is told through the eyes of four mothers. Interspersed throughout the chapters are brief text message conversations between the daughters. If all of this sounds confusing - it is. That said, Wexler does a decent job weaving between the characters without the reader getting lost. In the end, her talented writing isn’t enough to set The Mother Daughter Show apart from the other titles similar to it.

Overall, I found it to be light and fluffy – but a decent read. Surprisingly, my own mother also read it and had a less favorable reaction to the novel. Perhaps she has her own negative memories of my years in prep school that tainted her enjoyment. Either way, The Mother Daughter Show is an easy read and a fun way to pass the time.