Book excerpt: Warm, witty, and wise—a unique collection of anecdotes and actual conversations helps African American daughters understand, accept, and, if necessary, forgive their mothers. Tell a woman she's turning into her mother and chances are she will deny it. Some will defy it. Ultimately, however, acceptance will finally set in—like it or not, daughters often emulate their mothers. In an era when more mothers and daughters are exploring their relationships, Help! I've Turned Into My Mother offers an eclectic collection of true stories that provides a unique opportunity for discussion. Readers will see themselves, or others, in these tales from real-life women of all ages, races, and walks of life. Gathered by the author from messages she received on her website, the narratives include delightful reflections on the joys of growing up female, to hilarious accounts of the agony and ecstasy of being a young woman, to heartfelt tributes to parents and mentors who helped smooth the path to adulthood. Written with humor and warmth, they offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration for anyone juggling the diverse demands of life today.