Podcast Summary: The Book Case – Susan Rieger and Surviving Your Mother

Release Date: December 19, 2024

In this heartfelt episode of "The Book Case," hosts Charlie and Kate Gibson delve deep into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships through an engaging conversation with acclaimed author Susan Rieger about her latest work, "Like Mother, Like Mother." Additionally, the episode features an inspiring segment on Warwick Books, a historic independent bookstore in La Jolla, California, emphasizing the enduring power of community and legacy in the literary world.

Introduction: Setting the Festive Tone

Charlie Gibson kicks off the episode with warm holiday greetings, acknowledging the bustling season and expressing gratitude to listeners amidst the Christmas rush ([00:33]-[01:05]). Kate Gibson echoes these sentiments, highlighting the importance of taking a moment to enjoy the literary journey despite the holiday chaos ([00:47]-[01:05]).

Exploring "Like Mother, Like Mother" with Susan Rieger

Initial Impressions and Book Overview

Charlie introduces Susan Rieger and her compelling book, "Like Mother, Like Mother," emphasizing its profound exploration of mother-child relationships, particularly focusing on mothers and daughters ([01:05]-[02:45]). He remarks, "It is a book that really gets you thinking about your own family and your own relationships to your parents" ([02:45]).

Kate shares her personal reflections, noting how the book lingered in her thoughts long after she finished reading. She discusses the book’s engagement with the nature versus nurture debate and its ability to prompt introspection about one's own familial relationships ([02:45]-[04:03]). Kate muses, "Do you become your mother? Do you become the opposite of your mother? How does your mother shape you?"

Delving into Themes and Characters

The conversation deepens as Susan Rieger elaborates on the book's title and its significance. She explains, "I chose it because it happens towards the end... you are your mother's daughter, and so you are like your mother" ([05:15]-[05:39]). This dual use of the phrase "Like mother, like mother" underscores the intergenerational similarities and influences depicted in the narrative.

Kate probes further, inquiring whether the title was envisioned from the outset or evolved during the writing process. Susan reveals that the title emerged organically from the story’s development, highlighting the fluid nature of her creative process ([05:39]-[06:20]).

Themes of Inevitable Relationships and Personal Reflections

Charlie and Kate discuss the book’s central themes, including the inevitability of familial relationships and the shaping influence of mothers. Susan emphasizes how traits, behaviors, and philosophies are passed down through generations, stating, "The central theme... is how we pass things down... the way we look, think, act" ([06:55]-[07:14]).

Susan shares a poignant reflection on personal loss and the concept of moving forward, encapsulating the emotional depth of the book: "You never... breathe your parents twice... to move forward, you have to change or continue to blame them." ([07:14]-[07:44]).

Character Relationships and Personal Experiences

The dialogue shifts to the multiple mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the book. Charlie notes the complexity of tracking characters across three generations and praises Susan for crafting distinct voices that make each relationship memorable ([09:57]-[11:08]). Susan discusses her own challenging relationship with her mother, revealing vulnerabilities and the profound impact of parental relationships on personal growth: "My mother took the first and the last, and I think his attention to me made me as successful as I was going to be." ([11:08]-[11:50]).

Charlie reflects on the universal significance of maternal relationships, quoting Richard Nixon’s sentiment about his mother being a saint and emphasizing the deep, often unparalleled influence mothers hold in individuals' lives ([10:43]-[11:08]).

Writing Process and Storytelling Techniques

Kate inquires about Susan’s writing methodology, particularly how she plots her novels. Susan explains her character-driven approach, allowing the narrative to unfold organically based on character development rather than strict plotting: "I start with a character and I go where the character takes me." ([16:10]-[17:18]). She highlights the importance of letting her subconscious guide the story, ensuring authenticity and emotional resonance ([17:31]-[19:51]).

Rapid-Fire Questions: Personal Touches

In a lively rapid-fire segment, Susan answers various personal questions:

• Favorite Writer Quotes: "One person found a quote that I didn't. It was about craziness in the family." ([21:23]-[21:38])
• Current Reading Recommendation: "It was pretty well known... 'Netherlands' by Joseph O'Neill." ([22:15]-[22:38])
• Best Compliment from a Reader: "When my granddaughter said she was obsessed with the book, I almost wept." ([24:10]-[24:38])
• Coda: "Tell all the truth, but Tell it slant, which is a line from Emily Dickinson." ([39:00])

These responses offer listeners a glimpse into Susan’s personal literary influences and the emotional connections her work fosters.

Feature Segment: Saving Warwick Books – A Community Triumph

Transitioning from author insights, Charlie and Kate highlight Warwick Books, a historic independent bookstore in La Jolla, California. Owned by Nancy Warwick, now in her fourth generation of ownership, the store dates back to 1896 and stands as a testament to family legacy and community support ([26:41]-[27:13]).

Historical Legacy and Family Business

Nancy recounts the store’s origins, emphasizing the seamless transition across generations and the familial harmony that has sustained Warwick Books: "My parents really enjoyed working together... it was always kind of a close relationship with the staff and with the customer base." ([27:13]-[28:41]). This enduring dedication has made the store a beloved fixture in the community.

Facing and Overcoming Challenges

The conversation shifts to a critical moment when the store faced potential closure due to a challenging lease situation. Nancy and Julie Slavinsky, the store’s events director, narrate how the community rallied to save Warwick Books. With strategic negotiations and heartfelt support, 34 individuals and couples stepped in to ensure the store’s survival ([30:10]-[32:36]). Julie emphasizes the importance of community-driven events in fostering loyalty: "There's a connection that I play in making and matching those people up that I think is as important, if not more important." ([33:05]-[34:10]).

Enduring Community Spirit

Nancy and Julie highlight the store's role as a "happy place" for many, where generations have found solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Their collective efforts underscore the vital role independent bookstores play in nurturing literary communities and preserving cultural heritage ([29:43]-[34:10]).

Conclusion: Celebrating Literary Bonds and Community

As the episode wraps up, Charlie and Kate reaffirm the profound impact of Susan Rieger’s "Like Mother, Like Mother" and the inspiring resilience of Warwick Books. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with their own familial relationships and support independent bookstores that enrich the literary landscape.

Kate muses, "Books are not dead. It gives me hope," encapsulating the episode's optimistic outlook on literature and community ([35:48]-[35:50]).

Charlie adds, "The best compliment I ever received from a reader..." celebrating the meaningful connections between authors and their audience ([24:17]-[24:21]).

Finally, Susan Rieger’s coda leaves listeners with a thoughtful reflection on storytelling: "Tell all the truth, but Tell it slant, which is a line from Emily Dickinson." ([39:00])

Notable Quotes:

• Charlie Gibson ([01:39]): "This book got me thinking about that."
• Susan Rieger ([05:15]): "I'm like my mother in many ways."
• Kate Gibson ([12:56]): "Tell all the truth, but Tell it slant."
• Susan Rieger ([24:21]): "When my granddaughter said she was obsessed with the book, I almost wept."
• Susan Rieger ([39:00]): "Tell all the truth, but Tell it slant, which is a line from Emily Dickinson."

This episode of "The Book Case" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader community stories, offering listeners both literary inspiration and a testament to the enduring power of books and shared human experiences.