A mosaic of memories, events, and reflections about Dede Montgomery and her remarkable mother, with insights into the generations and circumstances they were born into that informed the women they became. Dede Montgomery returns to her own roots in From First Breath to Last, and skillfully weaves her life with her mother's in a touching tribute to family and what matters most in their lives.

She meshes passages from her mother's memoir, journals, published book, and dissertation with her own memories and how her mother's journey influenced her own in a celebration of womanhood. Patty Montgomery was born between the World Wars and was reborn in the 1960s and 1970s during the time women pushed through the barriers to independence and equality.

She followed what she believed was the expected path for other women like her who were privileged by whiteness, education, and middle-class income. Until she couldn't, and broke loose with support from some and criticism by others, while raising her only daughter to be self-confident and self-assured.

From First Breath to Last is a treat to readers of all ages looking to embrace the wisdom from two women told through entertaining stories, fairy tales, and the advice from lives well-lived. .