Dara Kurtz kept a Ziploc bag of letters written by her mother, who died from cancer when Dara was 28 years old. This bag also included letters written by her departed Jewish grandmothers. Fearing the sadness these letters might bring, Dara left the Ziploc bag buried in her home for decades. Dara often longed to ask her mother and grandmothers for their advice, especially when she, like her mother, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 42. Eventually, Dara opened the bag of letters and reread them. They brought back beautiful family memories, taught her many life lessons about the love between mothers and daughters, and the wisdom passed on from one generation to the next. Dara passed down these family traditions to her two daughters, who carry on the legacy contained in the Ziploc bag. Dara wanted to share this legacy and the lessons she learned in overcoming cancer with others. Refocusing her life, she launched a successful blog, Crazy Perfect Life, to inspire others to make the most of every day of their lives.
Nonfiction
I Am My Mother’s Daughter: Wisdom on Life, Loss, and Love
- From the Publisher
September 1, 2019
Discussion Questions
Jewish literature inspires, enriches, and educates the community.
Help support the Jewish Book Council.