Introducing... The Conditions of Love by Dale M. Kushner

Introducing books through the first chapter or so...

My mother was dead set against me calling her Ma. When the offending sound passed from my lips, she pinched my chin and enunciated very slowly, the way she later talked to her parakeet, Mr. Puccini-- "Baby, say Mern not Mama. Baby say Mern." She was hoping, no doubt, that with time and a little encouragement, I might grow into an adaptable companion whose demands were minimal, someone with whom she could discuss Cary Gran't perfect profile, Shelley Winter's yen for men.

-- The Conditions of Love by Dale M. Kushner