Mothers Who Think: Tales Of Real-life Parenthood

I had heard about this book for years before I read it. What held me back was the title---I pictured this being a book about not just mothers who think, but mothers who think MORE THAN REGULAR MOTHERS---you know the kind of book. One with essays by mothers who think they are more devoted, more in tune, more able to work and care for their kids at one time..etc. That wasn't what this was at all. It is a collection of extremely well done essays about all aspects of parenting. In my opinion, the best here is On Not Having a Daughter, by Jayne Anne Phillips---about a child not born--I'll remember this writing always. You'll Get Used to It is another great one, about the tough seperation from your child and how you someday do miss how hard it is for them to leave! The Line is White and It is Narrow tells of a boy on the autistic spectrum with a love for soccer, and how his mother helps him make his dreams come true. I could go on and on...lots of terrific writing here. The weakest pieces in my opinion are the few short humor pieces about everything going wrong during childbirth---they are a little too slapstick for me, but they aren't that bad! Highly recommended collection about a topic that doesn't really get that much good writing---the thoughts and ideas of mothering.

Most of the essays in this slim but powerful book originally appeared in the Mothers Who Think column on Salon.com, including a real winner by Anne Lamott. Although they vary tremendously in tone, subject, angle, and focus, all together they create a powerfully articulate image of what it means to be Mother. And I'm talking Mother in a minute, interior sense, not in the do-goody style of parenting magazines. There's nothing soapy or sappy in any of these essays - so read it.

I picked up this book quite by accident when my son was about four months old and read it on his first plane ride. Honestly, it made me cry. It features a broad spectrum of mother's persepectives, however, I could relate to so many of them. At a time of upheaval in my life, it made me feel like I was not alone. As a first time mom who works full time at a job I love and hate alternatively, who is a staunch republican and married, I still related to so many of the columns. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I do not find the title at all offensive, I think its catchy. I think that we should embrace any book that truly celebrates mothers and recognizes that while some see mothers as one cohesive group of people, we are as varied as any segment of the population. I loved this book and recommend it to any parent who ever feels as if they are fighting to keep their sanity, despite the fact that they love their children so much they could never imagine life without them.

This is a life preserver in a sea of parenting books that assume having children means suspending your life as an independent, intelligent and sexual being. In most of these stories, concern and love for one's offspring are balanced by an awareness of retained individuality. There's a really interesting mix of stories running the gamut from death (Camille Peri's heartrending story) to sex (Cynthia Romanov's very amusing fantasy) and a lot in between. Highly recommended.

As I read this thoroughly enjoyable book, I laughed, cried, sighed, cringed, and chuckled. Each essay gave me a look into how motherhood affects one's life and how one's life circumstances can impact the parenting experience. I may have identified with some authors more than others, but all had meaningful stories to tell. Don't miss reading this book! I've already given it twice to friends and probably will do so again.