The Myth of the Bad Mother

I found this book to be a very important work on the subject of what it is actually like to be a mother and a carer and nurturer of children. I've yet to see another book deal so honestly with the subject. I was surprised to be confronted with truths that I had always felt and which are just under the surface for many of us but had never been given words and examination until this book. The author challenges the fragile and superficial veneer of unexamined cultural fantasies about mothering in favor of presenting the hard realities of self-sacrifice involved in being a mother. She goes on to discuss the difficulties of being self sacrificing in a societal environment that places little value in selflessness other than lip service and which even has disdain for the practice. When I read this book I wanted to start a discussion group on the topic because it brought up some very profound issues about mothering for me. I highly recommend it.