Thomas Hauser has written books that have become part of the American dialogue. Missing, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, and Final Warning: The Legacy of Chernobyl are testament to that. MY MOTHER and me is a different kind of book.

Eleanor Nordlinger Hauser's life story is told in MY MOTHER and me as only a gifted writer and loving son could tell it.It's the story of a woman who experienced soaring highs and hard falls, deconstructed and rebuilt her life several times, grew old gracefully, met the struggles of old age without complaint and, ultimately, felt that she had lived long enough and was ready to die.

Hauser's mother knew that he'd be writing this book. "And I want you to be honest," she told him. "Don't make me out to be a saint. You should put in the things I did wrong too."

"And the affairs were part of our marriage," she added. "You can write about them too. It wouldn't be much of a book if you left them out."

MY MOTHER and me is a portrait of a remarkable woman and a moving exploration of the bond between a mother and son. It's a special book worthy of attention.