Chronicles the mother-daughter relationship of culinary author Ruth Reichl, now editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, and her late mother, Miriam. Miriam Brudno, who bowed to societal and familial pressure to become a wife and a mother over pursuing a fulfilling career, cheered her daughter on and pointed out that Ruth had an obligation, both to herself and to her mother, to use her life well.

The Mim tales -- What girls can do -- Finding Mr. Right -- Idle aptitudes -- Chaos -- What we are made for -- Dear Dr. Portnoy -- Rainbows -- Tsunami of pain -- Grateful -- Gifts.