The Seasons of My Mother: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Flowers | Marcia Gay Harden
In this poetic and inspiring memoir, one of Americas most revered actresses uses the imagery of flowers and the art of Ikebana to depict the unique creative bond that she has had with her mother throughout the yearsand how, together, they are facing her mothers struggle with Alzheimers disease. Marcia Gay Harden knew at a young age that her life would be anything but ordinary. One of five lively children born to two Texas nativesBeverly, a proper Dallas lady, and Thad, a young officer in the US Navy hailing from El Pasoshe always had a knack for storytelling, role-playing, and mischief-making. As a military family, the Hardens moved often, and their travels abroad eventually took them to a home off the coast of Japan. It was here that Beverly, amidst the many challenges of raising a gaggle of youngsters, found solace in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Using the imagery of flowers and Ikebana as her starting point, Marcia Gay Harden takes us through the different seasons of her mothers life, all the while weaving in the story of her own journey from precocious young girl to budding artist to Academy Award-winning actress. With a razor-sharp wit, as well as the kind of emotional honesty that has made her performances resonate with audiences worldwide, Marcia describes the familys travels overseas, her flourishing career in New York and Hollywood, and, most poignantly, Beverlys struggles today to maintain her identity as she tackles her greatest challenge yet: Alzheimers disease. Featuring photographs of gorgeous Ikebana arrangements created specially for this book, this memoir illustrates the uniqueness, beauty, and unforgettable love of motherhood, as Marcia does what Beverly can no longer do: she remembers. Like a cross between Mary Karrs The Liars Club and Lisa Genovas Still Alice, this memoir is a lyrical, loving homage to one mothers strength as reflected in the tenacity and artistry of her daughter.
The Seasons of My Mother: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Flowers | 
