Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and ACT the Way We Do

At first, I was a bit skeptical about this book as I have read other books that said they "knew what stepmothers were feeling and thinking". But, I have to tell you, this book nails it right on the head. It goes through every bit of the range of feelings and emotions that you go through as a stepmother in a clear, concise fashion that is easy to read, easy to understand - and even brought me to tears a few times as I identified with so many issues in the book. I would highly recommend this book to any stepmother, stepchild, husband with children from another marriage - anyone that has or is a stepmother. It is a superb book and I am enjoying reading it with my husband. I have already learned so much about areas that I thought I had handled, and I cannot believe that this book is not more recommended than it is.

Wednesday Martin could have written a moving memoir about her own experiences as a stepmother. She could have pieced together an enlightening narrative from interviews with stepmothers. Or she could have done a scholarly, rigorously researched treatise on what history and sociobiology have to say about stepmothering. Instead she has done all three, succinctly and articulately, in fewer than 300 pages. Stepmonster dares to speak uncomfortable truths: that even the nicest stepmothers and stepchildren frequently don't like each other; that it can take years for stepfamilies to settle into something resembling a satisfactory adjustment; that stepmothers and stepchildren virtually never form bonds as close as birth parents and children; and that all of these things are completely normal. For any woman who is a stepmother or is considering becoming one, this book is like water in the desert.

Finally - some genuine understanding of what it's really like to be a stepmother and research to back it all up. Plus - great writing.

From the perspective of a remarried dad with children from a prior marriage, this book is the real thing. Wednesday Martin tells it like it is. The descriptions of the emotional dynamics are right on target and the insights are priceless. This is a must read for all divorced fathers who are dating, engaged or already remarried. Your life will with your partner or wife will be forever changed--for the better. I particularly loved the chapter "Him."

Ms Martin has written a clever, funny and unusual book, with a fresh and compelling exploration of the dynamics of being a stepmother. Although I am not a stepmother, I have one whom I now love dearly, and this book made me realize what hell we kids used to put her through! A great read, I could not put it down.