Dear Mum, from you to me Tree design: 13 (Journals of a Lifetime) Diary – 10 April 2008

I bought this for my mother to fill out as she was terminally ill and I thought it would be a nice way for us to reminisce.I did take a chance buying this as there was no pictures to show the pages inside or to give you a demonstration of the sorts of questions asked in there.I was a bit disappointed when it arrived.The first half of the book seem like the type of questions you may already have answers for from your mom from general conversation, such as pets when they were a child, favourite music, top 10 songs, how they met your father etc. The questions then went into the part of your mom's life when you were born, and favourite memories of you as a child, advice they would give you. And then it turns to questions that I found a bit depressing.... regrets in their life, aspects of your character they may not like/would like to change, what their hopes for their future are, what they would like to do during their remaining years etc. Understandably not suited for a mom who was terminally ill with no future!But as there were no page previews/question examples available, I did not know this.Personally, I was not impressed. I knew most of the answers myself so I felt it was a waste of money.On the positive side, there was a nice little section for your mom to write a little letter about why they are doing this for you, and added pages for if they want to add anything else in and there's blank pages throughout for each section for pictures to be stuck in.My mom died before she could fill this out, but I am contemplating using it to fill in for my own children (if I have any!) but I am unsure.Overall, my personal opinion is it was a bit bland; very generic questions and some that are not that interesting at all, but if you want to spark a deep conversation with your mom about her life then go for it, it may work for you!

I am always on the look out for 'something different'.. after finding this book I read the great reviews and decided to buy it.Amazing !! I am so impressed by the book, the idea of it is brilliant !! and when I get it back I know I will treasure it forever and it will no doubt be treasured for many years to come as its passed on throughout the coming years etc.My mum was totally amazed when she opened it at xmas and was touched that I would want to buy it and have her fill it in for me. Really I think this is one of the best things I have ever bought. Its not only a fantastic idea but the book is actually really lovely.. seems that it will last for all the years it will no doubt be read/stored etc.Really excited about getting it back all filled in - I suggested my mum give it back to me as 'my birthday present' from her in may ;) what a lovely present that would be..Wish I had found these little book's years ago - would have loved to have been able to have bought the dad one as well.If your tempted - just do it !! seriously - I cant imagine anyone being dissapointed with it.

This book is brilliant for that "awkward mum" that doesn't like jewellery, strong perfumes and has more chocolate than you can shake a stick at. Its a very sentimental item that asks a lot of questions that you never thought should be asked, but its a great way to really get to know that amazing woman so much more. My mom is my best friend and there is still so much I don't know about her! This gift was bought for mother's day, and is ideal. It does require plenty of well thought time to complete it, but the response is more than worth it! I first heard of these as a recommendation from my Boyfriends Mom, who found them in Liverpool and paid £16! I'm always using amazon for books so thought I'd see if they were cheaper. As always Amazon never fails to impress, and this little beauty cost pennies! But definitely holds a sentiment that lasts a lifetime.

This was bought as a Christmas present for my mother-in-law who has been researching her family tree.I thought this would make a nice add on to the factual side of her findings, offering a more personal family social history to pass on.She is delighted with the journal - its simple questions have given her an excellent basis for her memories and family trivia. Also, what a great way to fill the cold winter days than sitting snuggled on the sofa in her slanket (another Xmas gift!) and recording her past.My husband and daughter are looking forward to reading the completed journal.All in all an excellent gift - wholeheartedly recommended.

This is such a lovely present. I am expecting my first child and wanted to have something to share in later years. My mum and I are incredibly close and I know so much about her and want my son to know lots about his grandma. There are lots of different sections in here questions ranging from how she felt when she first knew she was expecting me to the name of her first pet - daft questions but still lovely to know the answers. This book has won awards and rightly so. Great gift idea and I am going to get one for my in laws too so we have a record of their life too. Thoroughly recommended.

I gave this to my mum as a mother's day present and she was absolutely delighted with it. She started on it later that day and is now constantly thinking of things to write down in the book. She loves the idea that she can write her memories and thoughts down and pass them on and that her kids will enjoy reading them.The pages just have a title or question at the top to prompt interesting memories and stories about their life so it's not just a blank book that leaves you not knowing what to put or where to start. For example it gets them to tell you about their childhood and their parents.