“The mother-daughter relationship is the most powerful bond in the world, for better or for worse. It sets the stage for all other relationships.” —Dr. Christiane Northrup

In her second book, Mama, Zuzana delves into the intricate tapestry of the mother-daughter bond, grappling with the resentment and anger she harbored towards her own mother.

Instead of severing ties, Zuzana embarks on a journey of understanding, exploring her mother's past and the influences that shaped her. Zuzana traces her mother's struggles with an absent mother, a strict father, and a life marked by displacement, uncovering the roots of her mother's struggles with belonging and unrealized dreams. This newfound comprehension becomes a catalyst for Zuzana's personal growth, propelling her to defy expectations and forge her own path, distinct from the traditional trajectory her mother envisioned.

Through Jungian Analysis, reading, and journaling, Zuzana learns to nurture the mother within herself, and is ultimately able to deliver a heartfelt eulogy at her mother's funeral—a testament to the transformative power of understanding and compassion.

Zuzana Plesa, a Zurich-trained Jungian Analyst and counselor, brings her extensive experience in navigating the complexities of mother-daughter relationships to her writing. Her work reflects a deep conviction that resolving these issues is fundamental to a woman's healthy development. When she isn't empowering women through writing or counseling active duty members and their families, Zuzana finds solace in the tranquility of gardening, reading, and swimming in beautiful Niceville, Florida.