The Good Mother Test

In The Good Mother Test, Emily, a UCLA student, is determined to be the nurturing mother she never had after giving birth to her daughter, Violet. As Violet grows and showcases her brilliance, Emily grapples with societal pressures surrounding achievement, complicating their relationship. When Violet’s father, Doug, returns with his partner, Amanda, a therapist longing for a child, the initial co-parenting arrangement spirals into a psychological battle for Violet's future. This contemporary novel explores the themes of family, ambition, and the delicate balance between devotion and control, prompting readers to reflect on the true essence of motherhood.