Hi all!

Welcome back to the bookclub! In June, we read Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel for The You’ll Read Too Bookclub! Spoilers ahead!

Quick Reminder: This month we are reading ‘The Deep’ by Nick Cutter! 

Today I’m going to give a quick plot summary, plus my overall star/scare-factor ratings. Then I will share the discussion topics and trivia questions. Please include all of your answers and opinions down below. I want to know exactly what you thought. I’ll also leave the answers to the trivia questions at the very bottom of the post. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

JUST LIKE MOTHER by ANNE HELTZEL – JUNE 2022

PLOT SUMMARY

The last time Maeve saw her cousin, was the night she escaped the cult they were raised in. For the past two decades, Maeve has worked hard to build a normal life in New York City, where she keeps everything – and everyone – at a safe distance. When Andrea suddenly reappears, Maeve regains the only true friend she’s ever had. Soon, she’s spending more time at Andrea’s remote Catskills estate, than in her own cramped apartment. Maeve doesn’t even mind that her cousin’s wealthy work friends, clearly disapprove of her single lifestyle. After all, Andrea has made her fortune in the fertility industry and baby fever comes with the territory. The more Maeve immerses herself in Andrea’s world, the more disconnected she feels from her life back in the city; and the cousins’ increasing attachment, triggers memories Maeve has fought hard to bury. But confronting the terrors of her childhood may be the only way for Maeve to transcend the nightmare still to come.

OVERALL STAR RATING

I gave it 5/5 stars! It’s definitely my favourite read of 2022. It has been so long since a story had me this hooked. I blew through it in three days. Even though it was fairly predictable, I didn’t care. I just wanted more and more. It was so gripping, well-told and full of suspense. I need it turned into a Netflix mini-series or film. It’s perfection!

OVERALL SCARE-FACTOR RATING 

I gave it a scare-factor rating of 4/5 stars, It was extremely disturbing, with a chilling ending. I wish the dolls had been featured more, but the real horror, lay in the psychological manipulation. ‘Hell is other people’ as is the famous quote. Please note trigger warnings for sexual assault, miscarriages and post-partum depression.

DISCUSSION TOPICS 

1.) Discuss the multiple meanings of the title: “Just Like Mother.”

I interpreted the title in multiple ways. 1.) Andrea ends up becoming just like the mothers in the cult from her childhood. 2.) She fashions the dolls to resemble her deceased baby, who happens to look just like her. 3.) She wants her cousin Maeve – who resembles her – to be like the crazed cult leaders. It’s such a clever and perfect title.

2.) How did history end up repeating itself for Maeve?

The cult she escaped as a child, ended up trying to brainwash her once more as an adult. She was forced to confront her deepest fears, attempting escape all over again. Worst of all, the children she gives birth to, wind up repeating the cycle. It’s fifty shades of messed up.

3.) What narrative is the author trying to tell us about female empowerment in this day and age? 

The author is childless by choice. I believe she wanted her readers not to succumb to the pressures of society; viewing motherhood as the only successful thing a woman can do. Women are so much more than their ability to reproduce. She uses characters like Andrea and Emily to exaggerate the dangers this type of thinking can have.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

Easy: What was the name of the cult?

Medium: What was the name given to women who reject motherhood?

Hard: What was the name of Maeve’s medication? 

I hope you enjoyed the book club discussion. As mentioned above, share all of your thoughts in the comments below! If you have any feedback/suggestions to improve the bookclub, please let me know. I look forward to talking to you all next month! Thanks for reading!

Peace & Love xoxo

TRIVIA ANSWERS: Easy: The Mother Collective. Medium: Bloody Mary. Hard: Klonopin.