Read what people think about Have Mother, Will Travel by Claire & Mia Fontaine, and write your own review.
Have Mother, Will Travel
A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by
Claire & Mia Fontaine
Published in USA Jul 2012,
288 pages.
Rated of 5
by Christine U. (Davenport, IOWA) Laughed, cried and enjoyed this book!
There were several things that drew me to this book; first my own mother is slipping away from me with a dreadful disease - Alzheimers. I am trying to make "peace" with the fact that there are so many things we were never able to do and now she doesn't even know who I am. I enjoyed this book on so many levels; the exploration of the mother/daughter relationship, making peace with one another despite many differences which existed between them, the clear descriptions of destination and experiences (hilarious at times- elephant eats passport) & as I thoroughly enjoy travel and never had the opportunity with my own mother to travel very much in US let alone to international destinations. I think this book would be interesting to anyone who is a daughter or a mother as well as anyone who has an interest in relationships and travel. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. It was a good one. In fact, I ordered Mia's memoir "Come Back" as I enjoyed this read so much! Thank you!
Rated of 5
by Joan V. (Miller Place, NY) Very Oprahesque
I started out feeling this book was THE best book I’d read all year, but had to drop down from a 5 to a 4 rating. It is really two books in one. The first part about the scavenger hunt was fantastic! Loved the descriptions of their travels; they saw places I’ll never get to see anyone would love this part.
Then it ended without ever telling us how they finished up that part of the story (I still wonder how many points they earned). The second part was extremely introspective. At times I almost felt like I was intruding on someone’s diary, it was a bit uncomfortable, like eavesdropping.
After awhile I wanted to edit out the word 'authentic.' There was too much personal information, especially on Claire’s part. I did love reading about mother/daughter relationships and this book does make you think a lot about your own life and decisions. The dual narrative flowed well and it was easy to follow.
I think it would make for TERRIFIC book club discussions, and am definitely recommending it to friends. Even if you do not have children it is an interesting, thought provoking book, just needed a little more editing.
Rated of 5
by Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA) Insightful journey with mother and daughter
Have Mother will Travel is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially as a mother of an adult daughter myself. I found myself smiling as this mother daughter team negotiated through their travels and their relationship. The writing felt true and honest.
Rated of 5
by Terry D. (AMITYVILLE, NEW YORK) DELIGHTFUL!
I choose this book because I have two grown daughters and I do love to travel. However, I never expected it to have such wisdom. Claire and Mia learn so much about themselves and each other that it was very inspiring.
Rated of 5
by Rebecca R. (Las Vegas, NV) Enjoyable, Fun, and Realistic
I enjoyed this so much and think it will be a good movie.Now I am surprised that I had not read (or heard of) the Fontaine's first book, but I plan to go back and read it. Although I never had the problems that daughter Mia did, I could totally relate to the moments of frustration or even anger that can come with a trip with one's mother - no matter how good of friends a mother and daughter may be. Recently when I saw an online deal-of-the-day site offer an airline's around the world treasure hunt, I immediately thought: someone must've read or heard of this book. I have already emailed my book club members and girlfriends in many cities with advice to read this book when it is published. As much as I enjoyed this book, I have a feeling it is generally more of a woman's book than a man's although anyone will be touched by some of the visits like the orphanage in Nepal. Also, males or females will stop and reflect on the sentence (page 10) :"There are few things the world can throw at you that will cause you more grief than what you manage to throw at yourself." I am so glad I had the opportunity to preview this!
Rated of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA) Entertaining start, then dwindles...
This book was laugh out loud funny while the two traveled on a scavenger hunt. Their time in France, however, was as entertaining as watching someone eat french bread and drink coffee. It comes across as being "filler"; the first adventures were not enough for a full book, so they had a planned stay in France. This is where the book starts to drag. I think I was suppose to be engrossed at the mother-daughter relationship musings, but it fell far short of entertainment and I did not finish the book. Great start, lackluster middle and finish.
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of 5
by Christine U. (Davenport, IOWA) 
of 5
by Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA) 
of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA) 
