If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother

Excellent title. It grabbed my attention right away and made me want to find out more about this book. The title also held promises of a touch of humour and real insight into the nature of mothers and daughters. Even with these extremely high expectations, I was not disappointed. I laughed, I cried, I remembered, and then I handed the book to my daughter to read. If It's Not One Thing, It's Your Mother is a collection of memories and tips about being a first time parent. All those little things that took us completely off guard and that we wish our mother, our sister, or a really good girlfriend would have told us. Many of these situations made us cry at the time but are now our most cherished memories. The book also tells the other side of the story, as well. Many Baby Boomers are part of that Oreo lifestyle: raising children and taking care of elderly parents at the same time. The author has some experience in that aspect. Her household contains three generations. In fact, much of the author's life has been spend living in multigenerational homes, often by choice. There are a lot of benefits, but like any family, it takes a little work to keep chaos from ruling.

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (8/06) If you are a mother or a daughter, you should enjoy reading this humorous look at all that is involved in being or having a mom. In particular, much time is spent on the teenager/mother relationship. If you are in need of a quick pick-me-up, I suggest getting a copy of this amusing look at life as a mother and with a mother. Anita Renfroe's book begins with a word from her teenage daughter Elyse, who talks about what life is like living with her mother. She refers to dinnertime at the Renfroe home as a Verbal Olympics. The book ends with a message from Anita's mother, Kay, who discusses what it has been like having a daughter such as Anita. All three women know and cherish the mother/daughter relationship even though they are very different people with distinct personalities. This threesome's relationship is somewhat unique because all live under the same roof. Life can sometimes offer more of a challenge with such a setup. Anita terms this three generations of mothers and daughters as a Momwich, and she is the meat of the Momwich right now. I thoroughly enjoyed this comical look at the importance of the mother/daughter relationship. I could relate very well with so many of the analogies. Anita explains how to make sense of Momsense. For example, when Mom says to use good judgment, isn't she actually meaning to use her judgment? And when Mom says to just be yourself, wouldn't that be the kiss of death for a teen who painfully tries to blend in with the crowd? And what mom hasn't answered a question with, "Because I said so." Of course, Momsense makes perfect sense. Just ask any mother. This book is overflowing with witty insights coming straight from the heart. It is hysterical. We take a look at Mothers' Day and what will win points with Mom, the lifesaving qualities of Cheerios, Hollywood and Bible Moms, Mothers of Invention, Mom's Top Ten List, Mom's hopes for her children, and so much more. In particular, I enjoyed the chapter discussing mothers of other species. Renfroe explains that a Human Mom can relate to the Praying Mantis Mom Thoughts when her child reaches the teen years, because a Praying Mantis sometimes eats its young. Her explanation of penguins and their rituals is very memorable too. I recommend picking up a copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience, and I predict you will too. As the book states, for less than you would spend on a box of chocolate therapy, you can get yourself some honest, hilarious, southern-fried wisdom from a chick who knows what it's like on both sides of this fence.

I received my first Renfroe book as a gift and loved it so much I had to get this one too. Her quirky sense of humor, combined with her love of God and her ability to get straight to the heart of a matter, makes this a hilarious yet very insightful look into mother-daughter dynamics. Very useful practical information with just the right "spoonful of sugar" to make it fun to take!

I absolutely loved this book. It is great for a laugh and also for a good cry. Anita is such a gifted author and speaker.

Pick up this funny and insightful book - if you are a mom, have a mom or wonder what the mystique about mom is. Men AND women should enjoy this writer's fine insights into momwich and more. Laugh out loud moments coupled with serene insight are found in these pages. A delight for all readers. You will be glad you have a mom!