I Am a Mother

This book is wonderful! I read it in 3 days. I am not yet a mother, but I still find this book insightful and fulfilling. I don't think Jane was out to change the world or push her life stories on anyone(I rather enjoyed them though). I think her writing is sincere and I feel that she truly just wanted to share some aspects of her life that may help others. I think her example is a good one, and her book is well worth reading.

I appreciated the perspective this book gives. Jane Clayson Johnson's position is unique in that most of us are not high profile journalists. However, it is true that there are occupations that many women would find enjoyable and fulfilling, and some of the duties of motherhood don't top (or appear on) the charts in those categories. I had a similar "plan" to Johnson's in that motherhood was my career of choice. Even though (1) it was my goal, (2) it still is what I want to do, and (3) I enjoy many things about it, there are times where it is terribly difficult and I feel like I'm going insane! The never ending day-to-day duties are often exhausting. "I Am a Mother" helped me remember motherhood's importance and gave me ideas on how I can keep going and improve and enjoy my "career". From the debunking of myths to the many quotes by others, I inhaled this book. I plan on sharing it with many people. I appreciated Johnson's thoughts and the opportunity it gave for me to refine and reaffirm my own thoughts.

Making the decision to stay at home for the first time with a newborn instead of continuing in the workplace is one of the most difficult choices facing women today. In to-the-point style writing, Jane Clayson articulates exactly the feelings that these women have about the huge sacrifice it is - giving up not just money (which is almost the EASIEST to give up), but the appreciation, the promotions, the recognition and simply the feeling that you are good at something. She points out that motherhood largely comes with none of those things and it is downright hard, especially when a lot of people will tell you that you are wasting your talents and time staying at home being "just" a mom. It was refreshing to hear her viewpoint and thoughts about motherhood and its challenges after being in the workplace.

I thought that Jane was right on! I agreed with everything she said and I thought that her person stories added something special. Yes, she is not the average LDS mom, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't know what she's talking about. I could sense the humility and love for the Lord that she has from reading her words. I am going to start giving this book to every new mom I know, and some old moms too. I don't think that she was saying that we should be so proud of our selves for simply being mothers and I don't think that she meant in any way that we should expect to be praised for our positions necessarily. Yes, not all mothers are the best, but most of us are trying REALLY hard to do what's best for our children and a lot of moms get down on themselves. This book simply lets you know that this is the best thing you could be doing. There are great quotes from General Authorities that help to encourage and uplift. I truly LOVED this book and wish that every mom would read it!

I only have one complaint about this book: it didn't come out a year sooner! I highly recommend this book to anyone expecting a child. Motherhood is devalued in our society. Jane Clayson Johnson talks about why motherhood has become such a low-status occupation and what its true position should be. And she knows: she was on the receiving end of much disdain after deciding to leave her job as host of the Early Show and turn down other offers to be a full time mother. Other than coming out a year after my son was born, the timing of the book was good: it coincided with launching my website to help mothers find fulfillment in motherhood. Society at large seems to think fulfillment only comes through accomplishments, and that motherhood doesn't offer that same feeling. I'm trying to prove them wrong--and so is Jane Clayson Johnson. One note: if you are not LDS, you may disagree with some parts of the book, especially statements from LDS scriptures and leaders. It is also more suited to someone not planning on returning to the workforce after having children. If you can look past that, I think anyone can benefit from this book!