I Was Told it Would Get Easier

By: Abbi Waxman

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan, Bailey Carr

“Abbi Waxman is both irreverent and thoughtful.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin

Squashed among a bus full of strangers, mother-daughter duo Jessica and Emily Burnstein watch their carefully mapped-out college tour devolve into a series of off-roading misadventures, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.

Jessica and Emily Burnstein have very different ideas of how this college tour should go.

For Emily, it's a preview of freedom, exploring the possibility of her new and more exciting future. Not that she's sure she even wants to go to college, but let's ignore that for now. And maybe the other kids on the tour will like her more than the ones at school. . . . They have to, right?

For Jessica, it's a chance to bond with the daughter she seems to have lost. They used to be so close, but then Goldfish crackers and Play-Doh were no longer enough of a draw. She isn't even sure if Emily likes her anymore. To be honest, Jessica isn't sure she likes herself.

Together with a dozen strangers--and two familiar enemies--Jessica and Emily travel the East Coast, meeting up with family and old friends along the way. Surprises and secrets threaten their relationship and, in the end, change it forever.

A must read for any parent with a daughter looking at colleges

This story was entertaining and reassuring that all parents go through similar mood swings, doubt and teenage battles especially during the college exploration process.

Helpful anc entertaining

This book actually helped me understand my teen better - in an entertaining way. Good read.

Mother / Daughter Relationships!

An uplifting story of the nuances of a mother-daughter relationship and the many complexities that exist in such a bond. Jessica Burnstein is a career driven attorney, a single-mother raising her troubled sixteen-year-old daughter Emily when difficulties at work make it a perfect time for the two to take a college tour in the northeast.

For those who may remember, the relationship between a mother and teen daughter is usually a love /hate relationship, often fraught with drama, histrionics, and screaming matches. Emily is not the best student and feels her mother’s example is a lot to live up to. Jessica has lived such a regimented life for so long she has forgotten what it is like to be young and carefree. The trip proves to be the catalyst that opens the lines of communication between the two. They travel with a group of other parents and students and along the way there are more fights, humor and revelations bringing the two closer together.

This was enjoyable book about coming of age for both the daughter and the mother and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Basic

This feels basic, and reminds me why I lean towards non fiction most of the time. It was a nice story, but predictable.

relatable dialogue and relationship dynamics

I loved the dynamic between working single mother and adolescent daughter. very relatable. looking forward to reading more of the author's books.