Freshman Mom: A Novel

by Karen Gorback

Meredith Lieberman has been wanting to go to college for a long time, but without encouragement or support, she settles into the life of a wife and mother—until one day, 18 years into her marriage, her husband leaves her for a more “spiritual life” in Sedona. Determined to be independent and follow her dreams, the newly single mom decides to go back to school. But when she announces her decision to her family, Meredith’s mother tells her to “grow up,” and her teenage daughter figures she’s probably going through a midlife crisis and says, “Don’t they have hormones for that sort of thing?” Disappointed but desperate to pursue her education and make a better life for her family, Meredith enrolls at the local community college.

Freshman Mom is a powerful debut novel—contemporary, fast-paced, and fun—with themes illustrating the value of friendship, family, education, and moving on. The book tells the story of Meredith’s freshman year, filled with the angst of parenthood mingled with the challenges of college and the uncertainty of new relationships. Through joys and tears, ups and downs, Meredith brings us along for the ride of a lifetime as a Freshman Mom.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2013

About the author

Freshman Mom is a contemporary story about the joys and challenges facing a divorced mother who goes back to college to make a better life for herself and her family. It is available on Amazon, in both paperback and Kindle formats, as well as through Barnes and Noble online.

Hear Karen read an excerpt at www.outskirtspress.com/freshmanmom. The audio link is beneath the synopsis. You may also read reviews posted at www.ReadersFavorite.com. http://bit.ly/1xJgIDD

Following are excerpts from reviewers at ReadersFavorite.com:

"Karen Gorback's contemporary fiction novel, Freshman Mom, is a feel-good story that works." Reviewer Jack Magnus

"Awesome book! Will Meredith's story continue? I was disappointed to see it end." Reviewer April Gilly

"Freshman Mom by Karen Gorback is an excellent book that I couldn’t help but relate to on many levels. . . . I am pretty sure the author knew my mother and daughter when she was a teenager. I could feel Meredith's pain, joy and can only hope you write a follow-up. I loved this book! I give this book a ten plus ten plus ten rating. Don’t pass it up; you won’t be sorry." Reviewer Trudi LoPreto

Karen Gorback has 35 years' experience in education as a teacher, counselor and administrator, including many years teaching career counseling in graduate schools at universities in Southern California. Karen's prize-winning short stories include "The Curative Powers of Chocolate," "Hot Wings, Inc," and "Dancing with Dreams." The latter will soon be available for purchase in an upcoming anthology published by the Ventura County Writers' Club.

Karen has also had several short stories selected for production in the New Works Festival at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita California, including "The Prom Dress," "Cheesecake and Chips," and "A Delicate Dance." The 2011 New Works Anthology which includes "Cheesecake and Chips" is available for purchase on Amazon.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this copy from goodreads.com

Thanks to author Karen Gorback for autograph!

It didn't flow for me... I didn't get the idea that it really was titled right or maybe that I was expecting a different story. I thought this person (the mom) was crazy! She couldn't possibly get this much 'junk' in her life, unless she put out a door mat in the shape of herself. NO ONE would be this stupid. From the young and older friend(died) to her daughter, sister, mother and college professor, husband...WHAT! I am completely lost. Then she works for the college under the dean thats involved in the case against the professor. Enough already, and I really found the Jewish Family unit to be a joke. With Yiddish thrown in here and there? I don't understand. Please try a rewrite. Get a story line about her college experience, leave out the nonsense and maybe you can save this one!

Sorry but it is a big NO.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meredith is a 39-year old divorcee with 2 kids. Her mother considered her a failure in marriage and in life. One thing that she wanted was to go to college. Meredith enjoyed science and wanted to study it, but no one (her mother, husband, kids, friends) took her seriously.

One thing I enjoyed about this book was the mantra: You’re never too old to go to school.

“Learning keeps me alive. The books are my blood and the homework my breath.” (LOC 510)

Story chronicles the perils of motherhood and academic challenges. Meredith’s teen daughter was such a hand-full (real drama queen.) Meredith had to juggle it all. I think readers can definitely learn from her journey, however, the read becomes a tad mediocre and bland. The lesson is inspirational, but the read was okay.

[P.J. Colando · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Female Mid-Life Crisis tale Which Evolves into a Coming of Age triumph

Every day women move mountains - to serve those they love. Through the adventures and mis-adventures of this book Meredith ditches the lows, the creeps, and misplaced intentions and devotes to herself. The strong comedic tone of this book make the lessons go down with a spoonful of sugar. I highly recommend this book

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mundane. Prosaic.

This was a bored housewife's freshman essay. Not a thing in the story made the character any different from any other. No existential crises. No unusual situations. No dramatic interest at all.

I finished it, closed the cover on my Kindle, and sighed "I wasted 4 hours on this?"

[Michelle Gleaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Gorback's debut novel is a phenomenal read. Written in an intelligent, clear cut, and to-the-point voice, I can easily identify with the main character, Meredith, even though I do not share the same background. Anyone can find notes that resonate with them in how Meredith relates to her family, friends, and herself.

It is a true coming-of-age story for an already of-age audience.

Readers walk away from Freshman Mom with an understanding that your life story doesn't have to stop evolving after the age of 25.

[Bill Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the book from my girlfriend's nightstand just to glance at it. I started reading and couldn't put it down! The characters were so real!So were the situations she faced as a single parent of a twelve- year-old and sixteen-year-old. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen with Meredith going back to school as a reentry student and her love interests. Great read! Can't wait for her second year!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story about a newly-divorced mom with teenage kids who decides to get the college education she never had the opportunity to achieve. The best part about this novel is the people she meets along the way.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a divorced parent returning to school The challenges are many. Most of the characters are single parents. The development of the characters and the story plot are very well orchestrated.
It was a book I was sorry to have come to an end.