Marrying Mom

by Olivia Goldsmith

Wanted! A gentleman of means, neither young nor decrepit. Looks irrelevant. Generous to a fault. Criminal record not a problem. Witty, mature, decisive widow has recently relocated to New York City in order to be very, very  close to her grown children (who prefer managing their own lives, thank you very much). Their lifelong gratitude and relief (plus their lovely mother -- as long as you move out of state) will be your REWARD. Not offer of any kind will be rufused.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Humor, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Adult

331 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Olivia Goldsmith (January 1, 1949 - January 15, 2004) was an American author, best known for her first novel The First Wives Club (1992), which was adapted into the movie The First Wives Club (1996).

She was born Randy Goldfield in Dumont, New Jersey, but changed her name to Justine Goldfield and later to Justine Rendal. She took up writing following a divorce in which she said her husband got almost everything (including her Jaguar and the country house). A graduate of New York University, she was a partner at the management consultants Booz & Company in New York prior to becoming a writer.

Many of her books can be described as revenge fantasies; a constant theme is the mistreatment of women by the men they love, but with the women coming out the winners in the end.

Controversially, in late 1996 Goldsmith said, in response to an Entertainment Weekly reporter's question, that her favorite event of 1996 was when Bob Dole fell off a stage during a campaign function.

She also wrote several books for children, which were published under the name "Justine Rendal."

Goldsmith died as a result of complications from the administration of anaesthesia before cosmetic surgery. Her final two books were published posthumously.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, amended.

Reviews

[Debbi Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely among the top ten favorite books I've ever read. I was absolutely devastated when Olivia Goldsmith died. Her books are wonderful. This one however, is a hoot. I laughed so many times as I read this book. It was hysterical and Ms. Goldsmith had the ability to create dialogue that was so perfect that you not only could envision the character and his or her personality within a few words, but you could actually hear their accents and dialects as if you were in the room with them. Marrying mom is a tremendous jaunt that takes a little old lady and her best friend on a journey into the crazy lives of her three adult children who all want no parts of their mother or her interference in their already screwed up lives. What ensues is one of the most amusing stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. You will laugh out loud and cheer as this dysfunctional family discovers hidden secrets, each other and love conquers all.

[Newly Wardell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously this book is a solid 2 and a half stars but it written in such as way that is so readable that it earned an extra star. It's multi generational love story. It's so happy endings and I love happy endings.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised to find that this was a really funny book! From the beginning, it captured my interest. It was easy to visualize the scenes, and I loved how the plot developed!

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tickled my sense of humor. I laughed out loud, which startled my dogs! Three dysfunctional children try desperately to marry off their mother, who doesn't want / need it. But her view of New York is far outdated, so she'll go along with "Operation Geezer Quest" for the time being. Sigourney (Susan) is a stockbroker, living beyond her means. Sharon is a neurotic, overweight housewife, living with a perpetually unemployed husband. And Bruce is a gay guy with a great sense of style, who has a greeting card company about to go bankrupt. All stereotypes from the 70s.

But the plot moves along, somehow, and all's well that ends [very] well.

I'll have to look & see what movie Sherry Lansing created from this -- it might be good!

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual novel, Marrying Mom is a love story about second chances, sex, family, good intentions gone bad and romance where you least expect it. I very much liked the idea that attachments can come even at a time in life when you think all the hurly burly’s done. Marrying Mom is chicklit of a different kind, one that shows that getting older doesn’t mean packing up your libido or your heart.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, funny book, it chronicles three siblings trying to get their mother remarried so she's quit trying to run their lives. Goldsmith writes clever plot twists and amusing dialogue. It's a good "beach read" or "airplane book" to read for enjoyment.

I've read it twice.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the funniest books I have ever read. Truly charming. If you like Grandma Mazur in the Stephanie Plum books, you will love this "old lady." The daughters aren't bad either. Laughed out loud.

[Erika Rebstock · Rating 3 out of 5]

After years of living in Florida, Phyllis has decided to move back to New York to be the wonderful mother that she never was to her 3 adult children. Her 3 children are horrified by her return. With all 3 children suffering from money issues they convince their mother that the best way to earn their love is to find a wealthy man to marry. This book was a fun read with a few plot twists that you wouldn't expect.

[Tracy Burd · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK! It was a quick read, two days. Characters were very easy to remember and realistic. It had many twists and turns and ended up with the most awesome ending. I am already looking for more books by Ms. Goldsmith!

[Kat Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Olivia Goldsmith created some great characters and it is a book I will read (and have read) more than once. I recommend it highly, if you are looking for a fun read, mixed with a solid story.

[Kathy Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

reviewed at Mama Kucing Books & Ravings: Marrying Mom by Olivia Goldsmith

This book is so funny. Bfightens up my day. Love it

[Bancha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy read with a twist at the end. Olivia Goldsmith has a way of pulling you into the lives of her characters and falling in love with all their quirks. Just pick this book up, sit down and start the ride.

[Shandi Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this little gem at my local library. I read the inside cover and figured I would see what it was like. Thank goodness I picked it up. This book will keep you turning the pages with its humour and the characters keep you on your toes. It's cute, funny and romantic all wrapped into one!

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

it took me a while, the ending was surprising but it just didn't keep me interested really.

[The White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pretty funny book overall.

[NancyInWI · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I finished this book. The characters were ridiculous as was the plot.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book thoroughly entertaining. At times I felt like I was in the room with the characters, laughing out loud at the conversation. It moved along like I was watching a movie.

[MaryAlice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Olivia Goldsmith's novel, Marrying Mom, would probably be a good movie. As a novel, it tried desperately to be funny, but it did not get a single laugh out loud moment from me.

I read somewhere, advice to writers: show me, don't tell me. Marrying Mom was a lot of "tell me's," rather than "show me's."

An example, not from the book, just making something up:

*Jane is the clumsy sister. She is always tripping over her own two feet.

Jane tripped on her shoelace. "Jane, you are always so clumsy," said Mom.

Jane slipped on the throw rug, losing the tray of cookies she was carrying. "Jane, why are you always so clumsy!" Bruce shouts at her.

*Did not need to read that, as the next two instances will show it.

I also got confused by names, Bernard, Bernie, Barney, and who is Susan again? The middle sister, I thought her name was Sarah. or Sharon. Sig, Sigourney?

Rife with stereotypes, again, some "tell me's" could have been eliminated, due to future "show me's."

I lost interest in the story early on, but went back to finish skim-reading it after reading the last two chapters, in order to answer a few questions I had about the story.

[O'Train Disene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be warned: Don't ever, ever read this book in a public space because people will think you are crazy when you would be laughing your tears out.

This comedy-romance book of Olivia is the best book I have read so far. It explores the journey of Phyllis and her three children who will confuse you when it comes to their love on their mother.

Can your mother be annoying to the point where you and your siblings start a mission of marrying her off? Bruce, Sharon and Sigourney go through the most so they can see their mother being married by a rich and successful man. They don't want to send her to an old age home because she will refuse obviously.

If you want to laugh and be amazed, read this book. I rate it a full 5 stars because it is a well and nice book to read. Dope language use, humour and descriptions. Olivia truly played with words here.

Go read 'Marrying Mom' guys. You won't regret it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frothy tale of 3 siblings trying to unload their challenging Mom by marrying her off to a rich guy. Funny and fast-paced, this was just a lovely whipped cream dessert of a read. Got through it in a few days because it was such a pleasure to come back to. Mom, Phyllis, is a character like Strout's Olive Kittridge: outspoken and free with her opinions. It's a Jane Austen ending with weddings galore, some breakups and a few surprises from Phyllis' friend Mrs. Katz. Highly entertaining satire about our modern ways as an extra Austen bonus.

[Margaret Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying Mom

This book is hysterical. Goldsmith paints her characters so colorfully with words that visually come to life. Who ever could have guessed what was in that huge handbag that Mrs. Katz never let go of? Or what Phyllis subconsciously craved and tried to make right with her dysfunctional adult children? What a great movie Marrying Mom would be - a perfect light and funny read to end this terrible and dismal 2021! Thank you Olivia Goldsmith for being such an incredible writer.

[Eva Tipps · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was characterized to me by my friend as a "light read -- laugh out loud funny." The writing style and sense of humor reminded me of Erma Bombeck's books. Maybe it's me. I used to recommend Bombeck's books, but they just don't seem "worth the read" funny anymore. That feeling applies to Goldsmith's "Marrying Mom." Yes, there were some amusing parts, some intriguing situations, but at the end it felt so contrived that unless someone is looking for a mindless read, I won't recommend this book.

[Stefanie Nici · Rating 4 out of 5]

When The Sibs learn their mouthy and overbearing mother is moving from Florida and coming to visit (permanently), they panic. Their solution, find a wealthy man for mom so she leaves them the heck alone.

I picked this book up and could not put it down. The characters and dialogue were witty and fun. A few times I actually laughed out loud. I enjoy stories like these. We all could use a good laugh once in a while.

[Marymetobooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Her Best

Not her best, but not terrible either. Characters aren’t well developed and a couple even seem like caricatures. Plot is not credible, although novels in this genre (romantic comedy) are generally not expected to be. Overall, the book feels dated but some of her other books are much better, so do give this author another chance. The First Wives Club is a good one.

[Karen Tripson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be a great movie. Very funny and good action. I finally watched First Wives Club after waiting for a long time at my library. The book is not available. I think Olivia Goldsmith has a cinematic vision. The movie was laugh out loud and enjoyable with excellent actresses, Keaton, Hawn and the Devine ms M who they didn’t let sing enough.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nutty book that you will enjoy for sure! It is different but you can relate to it in so
many ways. I did enjoy the back and forth with the siblings....but I loved the ending!
As always LOVE conquers all!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Great

This is a very funny novel with plot twists at every turn. The characters are quirky, dysfunctional and unpredictable which makes a fabulous storyline. I highly recommend this book.

[Cindy Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. Mom doesn’t listen to her [adult] children. Her children don’t listen to her. So there’s all the antics and misunderstandings, and lots of money being spent. And happy endings for all!

[Whimsical · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot read any more of this book. It is just too superficial. Cannot and will not finish reading it.

[Debbie Tanguay · Rating 3 out of 5]

far fetched but cute short 3 grown kids that don’t want their mom to move back