As May begins, the two pillars of American Hallmark holidays draw closer: Mother’s and Father’s Day. They promise luke-warm brunch for mom and a never-to-be-used power tool for dad. How much better can it get? Mother’s Day in my opinion, is a host for the best kinds of activities under the most stressful of circumstances. Daughters, sons, and husbands alike scramble (often at the last minute) to put together a smorgasbord of activities catered to make mom feel like queen for a day with often lackluster effects such as botched manicures, tepid breakfast in bed, and overpriced high tea. The following titles explore the funny, shocking, and sometimes sad aspects of motherhood not to be underestimated this Hallmark holiday season:

Mommie Dearest
Christina Crawford
DB12943
The oldest adopted child of movie queen Joan Crawford, who died in 1977, tells a shocking story of what it was like living with her mother. Revelations of punishment, humiliation, and exploitation are described by the daughter of the famous star who demanded that her children refer to her as “Mommie Dearest.”

Carrie and Me
Carol Burnett
DB77382
Comedian’s tribute to her eldest daughter Carrie, who died of lung cancer at age thirty-eight in 2002. Describes Carrie’s troubled teen years, stints in rehab, recovery, and success as an actress. Includes Carrie’s email correspondence and the unfinished book she was writing.