“This book is important to every mother and daughter, and to every woman who wants to be one.” Maya Angelou

Jo Maeder was a not-so-young DJ on a decidedly youth-driven New York City radio station (Z100) when a series of crises led her to do the unthinkable: leave New York City for the Bible Belt – “Greensboring,” North Carolina – to care for her estranged, eccentric “Mama Jo.” Everyone predicted Operation Mama Jo would be a disaster. Jo’s therapist suspected Rescuer Syndrome – and her mother could not be rescued. Jo’s friends staged an intervention. Even Mama Jo, who had been a distant presence in Jo’s life for three decades, had her doubts.

What Jo thought would be some of the worst years of her life turned out to be some of the best. And she discovered there’s nothing boring about Greensboro. Jo’s roller-coaster ride with the unforgettable Mama Jo and her enormous doll collection, Jo’s born-again brother, the laid-back South, and first-time home ownership – plus a few drag queens along the way – proved to be a magical, hilarious, and, at times, heartbreaking antidote to heal a long-fractured family.

This is an enhanced e-book of the 2009 hardcover edition that has been embraced by book clubs, transplanted Yankees, Southerners, religious and hospice organizations, and high school and college classrooms. Bonus material includes a Q&A with Ms. Maeder, caregiving tips, a guide for reading groups and classrooms, and two videos.

Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.