The Motherhood Diaries

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

As a mother, you love your kids and you’d do anything for them—but chances are you’ve probably wondered, “What in the world was I thinking?” The Motherhood Diaries is full of humorous and enlightening stories from mothers who have wondered the same thing.As the working mother of three children, ReShonda Tate Billingsley knows motherhood isn’t a perfect science. She openly shares stories with her thousands of followers on social media about her thirteen-year-old Mya, the diva whose Instagram post—and subsequent punishment—went viral; ten-year-old Morgan, who has a serious case of middle-child syndrome and a knack for giving her teachers a few of her mother’s favorite things; and finally, Myles, a witty and precocious five-year-old who, as his grandmother says, “has been here before.” It was while chronicling her journey that she discovered she wasn’t the only mother who longed for the days when she could use the restroom in peace, who sometimes sat in the driveway because she didn’t want to go in the house, and who sometimes wondered, is this what I signed up for? Hence, The Motherhood Diaries was born. Through humorous and enlightening dialogue and narrative, ReShonda chronicles her own journey, as well as reveals candid imperfections of a mother trying to balance it all. With humorous and heartwarming stories from other mothers also trying to “get it right,” The Motherhood Diaries shares candid and honest conversations about the good, the bad and the downright disastrous path of mothering in the New Millennium.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2013

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parenting

Growing up, we complain about things our parents did or didn't do and vow never to be like them. It sounds good but flies south once we become a parent. What kind of parent are you?

“The Motherhood Diaries” is a book I recommend to all moms. It is a quick read that offers different views of parenting. Motherhood is a job in itself and it's not always easy. The stories are very relatable. I can guarantee you will walk away able to relate to at least one of the stories.


Reviewed by: Jas

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marilyn Diamond - Now you know I had to rate myself. Our book is awesome, if you get to know a little about all the 20 women that contributed to this novel you will come to love the stories just that much more. As a contributing author of this award winning novel, my expectations of all my other sister writers in this anthology has exceeded my expectations. We have established a movement and look forward to "The Motherhood Diaries" Part 2.

[Keleigh Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this review by saying that I am one of the contributing authors for Motherhood Diaries. So, my review will be on some of the other phenomenal diary entries I was privileged to be a part of.

Let me also say that you need to keep a box of tissues with you as you read because along with the HA HA stories, there are BOO HOO entries as well. This was one of the reasons I could so relate because the journey of motherhood is filled with laughs and tears, joys and pains, peace and turmoil.

Reshonda Tate Billingsley has an infectious and laugh-out-loud writing style that will have you talking back to the book. "Me too! I've thought the same thing." Even her dedication put a smile on my face. "For my children...who keep me young and make me old."

Reshonda was gracious enough to put together an all star cast of mothers from various walks of life and each entry speaks truth.

Diary of an Intuitive Mother by Pat Tucker reminds us to always listen to that voice inside us when it comes to caring for our children.

Diary of an Aspie Mom by Makasha Dorsey is peek into the life of a warrior mom who shows us how important it is to be your child's biggest advocate and cheerlearder.

Diary of a Stay-At-Home Mom by Tia McCollors is a humorous look at the ups and downs of being a mom who needs an occasional break from the kids.

Diary of a Welfare Mom by Lichol Ford teaches us to never judge the circumstances some of us find ourselves in.

Diary of a Praying Mom by Gina Johnson blesses us to keep our connection with God first and foremost and our motherhood journey will change for the better.

All of the stories will enrich your life and remind you that you are not alone, crazy or strange. You're a mom.

Keleigh Crigler Hadley author of Revenge, Inc.

[KitCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book was the collection of essays at the end. Each essay was written by a different mother writing of her experience. I laughed reading some of them and I cried reading others.

Being a mom is hard work and I appreciated the realistic approach to life these mothers exhibited.

[Kimyatta Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, I'm one of the contributing authors in this book, but even if I had not been, I would have rated the book the same way. The only story I was privy to beforehand was my own, so there is no bias here...well..maybe a little. ANYWAY, Reshonda Tate Billingsley is an absolute genius. In the beginning of the book, she shares her joys and pains with parenting her own three. I love how she takes us through the change of emotions and reactions as she got older. The back half of the book is where other mothers were allowed to share the stories. If you're a hormonal chick like myself, I suggest you get a box of tissues and a squeezie ball. You'll need something to wipe your eyes and throw! The ladies in this book all share their vulnerable moments and make you know that you are not alone as a mom. There is something in each story that I can relate to and I absolutely love love love it! When I'm feeling low, I remember Gina Johnson's Diary of a Praying Mom. When I need to get away, I think about Sadeqa Johnson's Diary of an Overachieving Mom (who needs a drink). When my daughter is acting the plumb fool as only an eleven year old girl can, I remember Reshonda's mantra, "I do not look good in prison orange". It is a must read for any mom who has ever felt like she wanted to runaway or wonder why she ever had children or doesn't understand how anyone could ever NOT have children. It is indeed a classic. It's become a reference book for me. lol...

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Motherhood Diaries by ReShonda Tate Billingsley - 5 stars

ReShonda Tate Billingsley has the God given Superpower to craft a humorous stories on a serious topic. She takes the most important job in the universe - MOTHERHOOD - and shares her personal challenges raising children. Hadley's story brought me to tears as she discussed losing her first born. C. Mikki forced me to recognize that racism is still here when she was told "he has dark skin" as if that would change her decision to adopt. Johnson's story about God's Grace and being a praying mom reaffirms that we should all be "praying moms" first. Parker's story made me cry - not for what she had to endure or that her daughter will have to grow up without her - but for everything I've taken for granted (that is until I read this).

The Motherhood Diaries is a must read for every parent in the universe. You never know what motherhood will bring - laughter, tears, frustration, anticipation and so much more. I do know that I can relate with most of these stories. Motherhood is my greatest accomplishment and at times (raising two teenage daughters) my biggest frustration but through it all I love my girls and would not change a thing. ReShonda Tate Billingsley thanks for sharing your humorous tales of motherhood and being an avenue for other moms to open their lives so others know we aren't crazy...we are the best moms our kids can have.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collaborative effort will touch the heart of any mother (or father). The first part is written by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, and is a light albeit honest description of some of her favorite motherhood moments, and some of her worst. I think most parents would be able to identify with these scenes, even if it's with a sigh of relief that they escaped that one!

The second, and main, part of the book is a collection of entries from different women. Some of these true stories are funny, some touching, some challenging, some inspiring, and some will leave you reaching for the tissues or your own child for a long hug.

They are written by mothers who are teachers, who stay at home, who are on welfare, who are in college, who are disabled, who are single parents, who have children who are disabled, who have children who are brutally honest, who have financial difficulties, who have trouble conceiving... There really is something that will impact every mother, and through it all runs the common thread: their faith kept them going.

(Disclaimer: I got this as an ARC from NetGalley.)

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother of who use to be creative and active twin sons (they are adults now), this was a great experience journeying with the shared stories. Most mothers can identify with different shared stories. Just when I was convinced only my children would pour Pepsi in the fish tank saying Bud was thirsty, or switching with one another because the one who didn't ride the school bus wanted to know where his brother was going everyday, or a few other situations... I read MHD and realized we mothers are stronger because of our children. Great book!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. There is a story here for all mother's. I mean, every situation that a mother may at one time in her life find herself in is captured in this book. I closed the book and instantly realized that what I felt was a struggle while raising my son was really a piece of cake as compared to what some of the mother's in the story endured.

[Karen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories made me laugh out loud, some had me in tears...so many I could relate to and others that made me cherish motherhood more than I already did. The perspective this book gave me has made me rethink and appreciate motherhood so much more, even when it's hard. Love this book!!

[♡B♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of wish the main author would have wrote the whole thing with more stories. I was laughing while I read what she started off with. I did like the variety but kind of wish it was the main author only.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure awesomeness...I am that mom. Thanks for sharing your stories ladies.

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/2013...

4.5 Stars

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to know I am not alone. I saw myself, my friends and/or family members in each of these wonderfully written stories. I loved it. This is a must read for all women.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each and every story. Some touched my heart more then others, but they were all wonderful. What a great idea for this book.

[Hesha Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and related to most of the stories! Motherhood has its ups and downs but the ride is glorious!

[Stacey Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it's nothing like a book that can make you laugh out loud.

[Colleen Foster]

This book was really good. It show's what other mother's have to deal with when it comes to there children