Blog Archives
The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter
Katherine Fabrizio’s The Good Daughter Syndrome is an eye-opening exploration of the often fraught mother-daughter relationship, specifically focusing on empathic daughters of difficult, narcissistic, or borderline mothers. The book dives deep into the concept of “Good Daughter Syndrome,” explaining how these dynamics trap daughters in cycles of guilt, self-doubt, and emotional dependency. Fabrizio combines her professional expertise as a psychotherapist with personal anecdotes, offering practical exercises and thoughtful advice to help readers navigate and ultimately heal from these patterns.
Fabrizio’s writing is empathetic, clear, and refreshingly direct. I appreciated how she balanced psychological insights with actionable steps. For example, her discussion of the “Never-Good-Enough Trap” in Chapter 5 resonated deeply with me. She doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll of being caught in this role but pairs her observations with gentle guidance on setting boundaries. Her ability to address these painful realities without becoming overly clinical makes the book engaging and approachable.
One thing I liked most about the book is Fabrizio’s explanation of how unresolved maternal trauma can be passed down. Her example of a mother unconsciously reacting to her child’s needs as if facing her own unresolved childhood wounds was both heartbreaking and enlightening. It felt like a lightbulb moment, illuminating how these dynamics aren’t about blame but understanding and breaking harmful cycles.
I also found Fabrizio’s use of real-life scenarios and scripts especially helpful. The exercises in Chapters 12–15, where she outlines how to rewire emotional responses and escape common traps, are practical and empowering. These sections make the book feel like a toolkit for change, not just a collection of reflections. However, I would have liked more examples of daughters successfully transforming their relationships with their mothers, as most of the anecdotes highlight the challenges rather than the victories.
The Good Daughter Syndrome is a must-read for women who find themselves overly enmeshed with a difficult mother and are seeking a way to reclaim their lives. It’s especially powerful for those who feel stuck between resentment and guilt. This book would resonate with anyone who values self-help with a compassionate, relatable voice and isn’t afraid to confront the complexities of their family dynamics.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C9G4MZJY
Find Peace With the Present
Remember Me is a celebration of your mother’s life honoring her memory in the form of stories that shine light on her strength, humor, and incredible resilience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was my most important book to date because the message of love and remembrance is crucial to me. Throughout life, we meet many people. Some become friends; others become close like family (or closer). It is these people who have helped shape a piece of us. Even though no new memories can be made, remembering the joy and happiness of the time we had is one of the best ways to turn our grief into strength. It is hard and some days it can feel impossible but we will be comforted by our memories and continue to make new memories with other loved ones, friends, and within our community.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your mother’s story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
This journal is to honor my Mother’s memory after her passing in December of 2021. That was the hardest Christmas of my life. It was during that Christmas that I knew I wanted to create something that would resonate with more than just my family and friends. While all of this was hard to write and took me over two years to complete with plenty of tears and tissues, the “About my Mother” section was beyond hard. Writing about Mom not in the present or future but the past made my loss feel fresh again.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your book?
I hope readers find joy in their memories. It is my hope for every reader that they can find peace with the present and be excited for the future; even though their Mother will not be sharing new experiences by their side, a piece of her is always in their heart. A mother’s love is forever, in life and beyond.
Can we look forward to seeing more work from you soon?
We are very excited to be penning our first adult romance book with an anticipated release in 2025. This WIP (work in progress) was inspired by my cat, Coors White, an adorable black and white tuxedo kitty. He is aptly named because of his larger than body personality and tendencies that make a stiff drink sound good (or even mandatory). Inspired by some of the escape schenegains of Coors and his kitty siblings, Crazy Cat Lady Love takes you on his journey to find his owner’s true love. Will his mission turn into a dog-gone cat-astrophe? Only time will tell as Coors’ escapes become more hilarious.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Making memories with loved ones is the best part of life. The memories made with our moms can only be described as
one-of-a-kind. There’s nobody else quite like our mothers! Since the present is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed,
start journaling your memories today.
Join me in this celebration of life journal as we remember the quirky experiences we will never forget!
Remember Me
In Remember Me, Rachel Vogel celebrates her mother, a woman who was the wittiest, funniest, and most delightfully chaotic person she’s ever known. From standing up to insufferable, thankfully not, in-laws to causing a scene at the zoo to playing the role of a shameless matchmaker, Rachel’s mother was everything to her—a beacon of light and, most importantly, her unwavering defender. To honor her memory and inspire others, Vogel journals some of the most iconic and beloved moments they shared.
Transcending the realm of mere tributes with impeccable humor, deep affection for her mother, and incredible storytelling skills, Vogel transforms cherished memories into tales that could easily belong to a hilarious stand-up routine. From the first memory to the last, Vogel sweeps readers into a whirlwind of emotions, leaving a lasting impression. Her witty and engaging writing style makes this book an intriguing and captivating read, leaving readers craving more stories. Her anecdotes will have you laughing out loud, gasping in shock, and nodding in admiration.
While her mother was undoubtedly quirky, Rachel also highlights her mother’s strength and resilience. She paints a vivid picture of a superwoman who was her rock and inspiration. Through her portrayal, Vogel expresses her love and respect for all super moms. Ultimately, she has crafted a wholesome work of art that not only preserves the memory of her eccentric mother but also underscores the importance of journaling.
Remember Me, by Rachel Vogel, is a heartfelt and humorous homage to a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on her daughter’s life. Through vivid storytelling and engaging anecdotes, Vogel captures the essence of her mother’s vibrant spirit and enduring love. This book is not only a celebration of an extraordinary mother but also a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing and documenting our own precious memories.
Pages: 84 | ISBN : 978-1955568432
Don’t Comb From That Angle!
Don’t Comb From The Angle! is an enchanting short story aimed at children, skillfully crafted to instill an appreciation for natural hair. The narrative centers around Violet and Journi, two young girls, as they engage in the ritual of wash day – a weekly routine of washing and styling their hair. The story is set against the backdrop of the unique hair care needs of Black children, spotlighting the distinct texture and the extra care their hair demands.
One of the most notable aspects of the book is how the girls’ mother transforms wash day from a mundane task into an enjoyable experience. She not only styles their hair with charming accessories like beads but also imparts valuable lessons on hair care, weaving in the use of delightfully scented creams. This approach not only makes the process fun but also serves as an educational journey for the children.
Authored by Dr. Ashley Simone Little, the book strikes a balance between being delightful and informative. The narrative is marked by a cheerful and rhyming writing style, making it particularly appealing to young readers. The way Violet and Journi’s parents address their daughters’ concerns is handled with sensitivity, adding a layer of depth to the story.
While I enjoyed the book, I think that the book might benefit from the inclusion of illustrations to complement the text, as visuals could enrich the reader’s experience. Despite this, Don’t Comb From That Angle! is still an excellent read for young children. It not only celebrates diversity but also encourages acceptance and understanding of differences in appearance.
Don’t Comb From That Angle! is especially recommended for its engaging way of teaching young readers to embrace and care for their unique hair and love themselves no matter what.
LITERARY TITAN 