It is nearly impossible to put down The Other Mother. Michael is a captivating narrator. His voice is strong, raw and unique, and through all of his trials and tribulations, his big heart continues to shine through as he fights for the people he loves -- and also for himself. The rest of the characters are equally complex, dynamic and lovable ... Filled with emotion, pain and joy, The Other Mother is well worth the read.
... compelling ... These heart-swelling moments are crafted with pitch-perfect honesty and tenderness, but they are never saccharine ... a readable and brisk coming-of-age novel, and Michael is a fascinating character (Julia is also particularly well written). While the abrupt ending may leave readers wondering, it is quite enjoyable while it lasts. This is an absorbing, sympathetic and, at times, frightening look at secrets and revelations, and growing up with trauma and with love.
... highly readable ... Dicks nails Michael’s inner thoughts and dialogue, and his portrayals of his relationships (with his siblings and the psychologist in particular) are refreshingly sweet. The 'other mother' conceit wears thin after a while, mostly because Michael’s story is compelling enough, but it takes little away from this engaging novel.
Matthew Dicks captures the yearning and uncertainty of youth in this reflective coming-of-age story ... elebrates the healing magic of friendship and reclaiming one's agency. Told in Michael's wry, often anxious voice, this quietly triumphant feel-good novel addresses the burden of grief, the complications of family and the mysteries of first love. Dicks imbues his protagonist with a believable blend of cynicism and naivete ... Readers' hearts will ache for him as he flounders when learning to trust Sarah, only to soar as he finds the strength to stand up for himself and others.
Dicks does an outstanding job telling the story of fourteen-year-old Michael Parsons ... This book offers so many topics to discuss, ranging from the children of deceased parents, to anger management, to helicopter (or the complete opposite of that) parenting. Michael must find himself and figure out who in his life he can trust. This book was heartbreaking and wonderful.
Dicks doesn’t seem concerned with medical accuracy, but it is doubtful that readers will mind too much as they laugh, cry, and cheer their way through this touching coming-of-age tale.
... wistful and quietly moving ... Though none of Michael’s secrets, or even the central mystery of his mother’s identity, hold much suspense, Michael’s appealingly vulnerable first-person narration and his painful missteps through the minefield of adolescent social situations will endear him to readers. Dicks’s bighearted, generous novel makes a strong case for empathy and for forgiveness—both toward others and toward oneself.
