The Daughters by Joanna Philbin

            Over the summer I read The Daughters by Joanna Philbin. The book is about Lizzie, daughter of famous super model Katia Summers, and life as being a daughter of an amazingly beautiful woman. While reading, I noticed this book had some really important principles tucked in it. One theme that was consistent throughout the book was the issue of comparison. Lizzie seemed to have often compared herself to her gorgeous mother. I think in doing so, this made her lack confidence for herself and was a set back. Also, Lizzie seemed to be pressured to following in her mother’s absolutely perfect footsteps. As I was reading, though, I noticed Katia insisting on exactly the opposite. She never wanted Lizzie to be an exact replica of her; she just wanted Lizzie to be happy. I think Lizzie interpreted this differently than her mother because of the way her Mother sometimes unintentionally made her feel as if she was not good enough, which wasn’t her mother’s initial thought.

            I think the overall message of this book, as cliché as it is, was to just be yourself. While Lizzie sometimes tried to act like her mother, I think at the end of the book it clicked that Lizzie wasn’t her mother, she was just Lizzie. I think it was harder for her to deal with that realization because she thought she’d be letting her mom down. I realized at the end of the story that Katia’s original mind set was never to have Lizzie be the same person as her, and what was more important was to have Lizzie just be comfortable. When Lizzie realizes she doesn’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations (besides her own) and stops worrying so much and comparing herself to her mother, I think she becomes a lot more comfortable and confident. I think the theme of the book is to always be yourself, because in the long run, making yourself happy is the key to being confident.