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Have Mother, Will Travel by Claire & Mia Fontaine

Have Mother, Will Travel

A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World

by Claire & Mia Fontaine

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  • Jul 2012, 288 pages
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There are currently 20 reader reviews for Have Mother, Will Travel
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Edie M. (Kennett Square, PA)

have mother, will travel, eye opening memoir
Being a mother of three teen girls, I was excited to delve into this book. Claire and Mia Fontaine did not disappoint.

I was not riveted to my seat by any means but did experience quite a few Ah-Ha moments.

I found it very inspiring when in Nepal, Clair actually took a minute to realize how lucky she is to have food, freedom, family and good health. We are so quick to complain here in the United States, when actually we are spoiled.

I was very moved to read Mia's realization of exactly how much she had hurt her mother with her actions. It seemed to me that by the end of the book, Mia is finally growing up.

As a mother, it really hit home for me the amount of my time that could be better put to use, if I focused more and didn't get distracted. This is not a new realization for me, but a kick in the pants for me to start living!

This book was very inspiring to me and I am happy that I read it.
More than once, I was nodding my head in agreement and laughing out loud to both Mia and Claire, happy that they brought me along for the ride.

I would recommend this book for anyone over the age of 25.
Kristen H. (Lowell, MA)

Ups and downs
Every relationship has its ups and downs especially those of mothers and daughters. "Have Mother, Will Travel" explores the relationship between a mother and daughter as they travel in Europe. Also, it explores the different parenting characteristics between European and American cultures. It was such a great read that before I even finished Chapter 1, I went and ordered the prequel to this book which is titled "Comeback: A Mother and Daughters Journey Through Hell"
Tracey S. (Largo, FL)

typical mother/daughter relationship
This book reminded me of the relationship I have with my daughter. There are great times and then times when we don't get along, but those times are few and far between and we make up pretty fast! I had read "Come Back" for my book club a few years back and really enjoyed it. With this one, I got a little bored. I wasn't happy with the way the first section ended. I felt more could have been told about how the scavenger hunt ended. I do feel that by the end of the book, both mother and daughter had come to a better understanding of each other. And they did a great job of describing all the wonderful places they visited along the way.
Maribeth K. (Highland Mills, NY)

Have Mother, Will Travel
After some tumultuous teen years, Claire (mother) and Mia (daughter) journey together on a twelve country tour followed by some concentrated living in Avignon, France. Written in alternating voices, this delightful book captures the nuances of the mother-daughter relationship as they take in new sights and experiences while traveling the world. They explore their inner selves and learn about each other in ways that would probably not have been so available in their daily lives. Great descriptive writing about the places and cultures they visit complement this fun and sometimes hilarious read.
Gail G. (Northbrook, Illinois)

Have Mother will Travel by Claire and Mia Fontaine
This book's philosophical renderings are over abundant; far too much to be really effective. Of course all are meaningful and well thought out but result in overkill. There were too many conversational changes even though the material added to what they had to say was important it did not have the impact it should have because of the overabundance of information. When we come to an event it's not made strong enough. If there had been fewer finger pointing and aha moments they would have been more effective. The adventures and the characters experiences were real and interesting. Too bad we didn't have more of them to offset the continuous bombardment of ahas.
Molinda C. (Suffolk, VA)

Have Mother, Will Travel
This book takes work. Both mother and daughter spend time in self reflection and and in analysis of their relationship with each other. The world is their setting--apparently you need to take a break from life in order to be able to figure it out...what a luxury! I enjoyed this book much more when Claire and Mia got to Avignon. It was then that I thought the real work of the book began--they were better able to understand themselves and each other. It gave me insight into my relationship with my mother--I am nothing like either of them as a person, but I believe that we all need to do the emotional work that they began during their odyssey. I am really glad that I read this book.
Cynthia S. (Rensselaer, NY)

Have Mother Will Travel
Have Mother Will Travel is a great book for discussion. It would be perfect for Mother-Daughter Book Clubs. Claire and Mia Fontaine share their enviable adventures as they travel the world. Their relationship matures as they discover each other more fully. They peel back many years of challenges and arrive at a new awareness and appreciation of what is truly important. This book is a travelogue with much to reflect about our own mother and daughters. The visits to so many places was such fun. Bejing brought back memories I had with my son.
Patricia M. (Davidson, North Carolina)

have mother, will travel by Claire and Mia Fontaine
This is a beautifully written book. Interesting in that it is the same experience written by completely different views. Mother and daughter go on a 6 month trip in many foreign countries together and each write their impressions of events that occur. And in doing so realize that they really like each other and become very good friends. An achievement in itself because sometimes it is difficult to do especially between Mothers and Daughters. It is written by two accomplished writers and is very well done. I really enjoyed it very much.
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