Review: Longfom essay: "My Mother and Other Wild Animals" by Andrew Sean Greer

My Mother and Other Wild Animals by Andrew Sean Greer
Published April 2024 via Amazon Original Stories

It had been years since Greer and his mother went on a holiday together—since Greer was a teenager, in fact—and so, when she proposed visiting him at his short-term writing appointment, he proposed a road trip. She leaned more staid, so he committed to making the trip as low-key zany as possible: odd roadside attractions, unique hotels, and egg costumes, anyone?

The resulting story makes for a short and feel-good essay about making memories while it's still possible, whether that means planning your own funeral while still in robust health or, you know, driving halfway across the country on a whim. Greer avoids putting too much emotion or depth into this, keeping it light and playful even when talking about more serious things, but it's a lovely tribute to his mother and sounds like an even better experience to share. (Also, the long-standing friendship his mother has with Judy sounds fantastic, and like the sort of friendship everyone should seek to cultivate with someone they love.)

This is probably best recommended for people with a Kindle Unlimited subscription (I believe most Amazon Original Stories are available there), and perhaps as fodder for planning your own relaxed mini-adventure.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.