The Cost of Living — M.L. Pressman

Spanning the course of 30 years, a mother-and-daughter relationship is put to the test due to the mother's eccentric, compulsive hoarding habits. Beginning in the 1980s, 'The Cost of Living' follows Caroline Kurchowski as she grows from an 8-year old girl into adulthood with her single mom. Jean Kurchowski lives by the motto "If it's free, it's for me" - which explains the mile-high pile of wood chips in thedriveway, the cramped basement filled with giveaway samples, the refrigerator with tupperware-filled science experiments, the boxes of garage-sale bought holiday presents, and the jalopy that will only come to a stop by crashing. 'The Cost of Living' is filled with humor and sadness as Caroline's experiences lead to resentment, understanding, and appreciation for her mother, all at the same time.