Expectations: 30 Women Talk about Becoming a Mother

Even though my daughter is 6 months old now, I was crying over and over reading these women's different stories. As a somewhat "edgy" mom, I thought I was completely alone in the way I thought and felt motherhood. These women's stories made me feel a lot less alone even though a few absolutely broke my heart. You will read some of them over and over. I'm so glad a friend gave me this book as a gift because I probably wouldn't have come across it on my own.

I loved this book! I read many baby/pregnancy books while waiting for the birth of our daughter, and this one was definitely the most meaningful, useful, and enjoyable. The stories are absorbing and thought-provoking, and the photos are lovely. A fabulous gift for a pregnant woman or new mother.

I just bought this lovely book for my daughter who is facing a pregnancy alone at 26- Of course I had to delay sending it to her so that I could read it from start to finish- very absorbing- I hope it will help her to realize that she does not have to fit any certain mold to be a mother- This book includes 30 different profiles of mothers. My daughter's story could be #31. I think these women's reflections on what their children mean to them and the changes in their lives will be very helpful to my own daughter. I recommend it for anyone contemplating parenthood. I think it is more helpful than any how-to book could ever be be.

This book is beautiful and moving-- the voices are real and diverse, the photography is stunning, and the content meaningful. As someone who is still contemplating having children, I wanted to hear about it "first-hand," and this book gave me a lot of insights. I think it would be helpful to anyone (male or female) considering children, as well as for those who have just entered the realm of parenthood. You won't regret your purchase!

This book was one of the best gifts I received upon the birth of my first child. The interviews really capture the incredibly diverse voices and experiences of motherhood (parenthood). Listening to these voices--from a physically disabled parent, single mothers, teen mothers, career-oriented parents, lesbian parents, a terminally ill mother, and many others--gives an amazing insight into how real people approach the incredibly important experience of caring for a new human being. Each of the mothers interviewed addresses issues, concerns and fears that I, too, struggle with as I approach the new task of being a mother. This is NOT a "how to" manual, but reading the narratives aloud to my husband enabled us to verbalize and address many of our unvoiced concerns about our new responsibilities and life style. Fabulous narratives and wonderful photographs. New parents will be up to their ears in "onesies" and rattles--this book makes a wonderful gi! ft, by focussing on the phenomenal experience of being a parent.