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Mother Is a Verb
In this bold and provocative exploration of modern motherhood, three women cross paths on the road to self-discovery, grappling with the uncertainty of whether they can accept what they find.
Gwen Fisher is suffering from postpartum stress. Angeni Luna is thriving in her social media enterprise. Sasha Robinson is grieving over the loss of her sister. All three are looking for something they can’t quite connection, validation, closure…any sign that they’re doing something right.
They just might find it on Bainbridge Island.
There, Angeni runs her “momfluencer” commune with its focus on staying present through all the noise. She has plenty of her own that she’s learned to quiet down over the years. Now she’s offering that same peace to anyone in search of it.
And maybe that’s what Gwen and Sasha need. Peace. But how do you get something from someone who hasn’t truly given it to themselves?
As they begin tapping into the truth of who they really are, they’ll discover what that means to the people who know and love them—and to those who only think they do…
Gwen Fisher is suffering from postpartum stress. Angeni Luna is thriving in her social media enterprise. Sasha Robinson is grieving over the loss of her sister. All three are looking for something they can’t quite connection, validation, closure…any sign that they’re doing something right.
They just might find it on Bainbridge Island.
There, Angeni runs her “momfluencer” commune with its focus on staying present through all the noise. She has plenty of her own that she’s learned to quiet down over the years. Now she’s offering that same peace to anyone in search of it.
And maybe that’s what Gwen and Sasha need. Peace. But how do you get something from someone who hasn’t truly given it to themselves?
As they begin tapping into the truth of who they really are, they’ll discover what that means to the people who know and love them—and to those who only think they do…
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
188 people are currently reading
3836 people want to read
About the author
Kim Hooper
9 books427 followersKim Hooper's latest novel, Woman on the Verge, will be released on June 17. Her previous novels are: People Who Knew Me (2016), Cherry Blossoms (2018), Tiny (2019), All the Acorns on the Forest Floor (2020), No Hiding in Boise (2021), and Ways the World Could End (2022). She is also co-author of All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss (2021). Kim lives in Southern California with her daughter and way too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 21, 2026
I’m a mother as well as a Nana of 4. My daughter had her first baby 2 years ago. I’m very familiar with the vulnerabilities and insecurities of today’s new mothers. In generations past women had their elders to help and guide them through this time. Now they use Google and social media.
There’s a wealth of good advice/information on the internet, but it’s difficult to sift through the bad to find the good. The good is mostly from doctors, nurses, speech and occupational therapists, early childhood educators, and other professionals.
But then you have the “momfluencers” with their heavily curated and edited photos and perfect lives who tell women what they should and should not do, while highlighting their own perfect life. Of course new moms will feel inadequate in comparison.
Luckily, my daughter and I have a close relationship and she used me as a source of advice and reassurance. But still, she would often scroll through TikTok and send me videos of absolutely inane “advice” and we’d talk about it, and often laugh. Watch one and the algorithm bombards your feed. It’s hard to resist.
So this story of the mommy blogger, Angeni, and the new mothers who fell victim to her advice, often with tragic consequences, rang true.
Of course, Angeni is like the wizard behind the curtain in Oz….she’s a fraud and her life is all an illusion. It’s actual work to maintain her online presence, and she has hired help and a nanny.
Unfortunately, by 50% the story became repetitive and I felt bored with the subject. The theme was taken to an extreme, which made the characters less sympathetic. The story lost its oomph and I struggled to finish.
I appreciate the author tackling this subject, which plagues so many young women, but for me, I needed more depth or at least some suspense or intrigue beyond a couple of hidden identities, which I guessed long before the reveals.
A buddy read with Marialyce, it was a miss for both of us. Perhaps this would resonate more with new moms who have been sucked into the illusion of the perfect mom.
*I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
There’s a wealth of good advice/information on the internet, but it’s difficult to sift through the bad to find the good. The good is mostly from doctors, nurses, speech and occupational therapists, early childhood educators, and other professionals.
But then you have the “momfluencers” with their heavily curated and edited photos and perfect lives who tell women what they should and should not do, while highlighting their own perfect life. Of course new moms will feel inadequate in comparison.
Luckily, my daughter and I have a close relationship and she used me as a source of advice and reassurance. But still, she would often scroll through TikTok and send me videos of absolutely inane “advice” and we’d talk about it, and often laugh. Watch one and the algorithm bombards your feed. It’s hard to resist.
So this story of the mommy blogger, Angeni, and the new mothers who fell victim to her advice, often with tragic consequences, rang true.
Of course, Angeni is like the wizard behind the curtain in Oz….she’s a fraud and her life is all an illusion. It’s actual work to maintain her online presence, and she has hired help and a nanny.
Unfortunately, by 50% the story became repetitive and I felt bored with the subject. The theme was taken to an extreme, which made the characters less sympathetic. The story lost its oomph and I struggled to finish.
I appreciate the author tackling this subject, which plagues so many young women, but for me, I needed more depth or at least some suspense or intrigue beyond a couple of hidden identities, which I guessed long before the reveals.
A buddy read with Marialyce, it was a miss for both of us. Perhaps this would resonate more with new moms who have been sucked into the illusion of the perfect mom.
*I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
March 1, 2026
2.5 stars.
An exploration of modern motherhood and the power of online influencers.
This book follows three women who each have unique backstories but end up interconnected.
I am always drawn to stories revolving around pregnancy, motherhood, birthing, postpartum, etc. This plot had an interesting layer with one of the characters being an online “momfluencer”. I found this an intriguing look into what can sometimes be the reality of what is posted online versus what is happening in real life behind the scenes. It was a good reality check to confirm that what people post online is usually the best version of themselves or the one they “want” people to see, an image they are creating. I enjoyed that theme as I feel it’s so important for everyone to truly sit back and analyze the people, organizations, businesses or ideas they follow online. Is everything you are seeing true?
I thought the author did a good job exploring new mom life — sharing the sense of overwhelm many new mothers face and the search for female connection throughout the postpartum days.
I liked what the author was doing in showing just how fake online influencers can be, but I did find that part of the storyline was very forced. It was like the author had a plan of what she wanted to write about but failed to create any sort of realistic element to portray it. The characters and scenes lacked natural ease and believability. There wasn’t any sort of genuine feel. The cult aspect wasn’t believable on any level.
There are multiple timelines and they didn’t flow well for me. The perspective shifts felt disjointed and prevented me from feeling any sort of connection to the characters or plot. As the story proceeded, there were many eye-rolling moments.
Overall, this didn’t work out for me but there are more favourable reviews out there so be sure to check those out!
Audio rating: 2 stars. I did not enjoy this audio narrator. Her voice changes for the male characters were cringey and awkward. I started by reading this book physically and then switched to audio hoping I would find a better connection, but it actually made it worse. I recommend reading the physical copy if you’re going to give this one a try!
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy and advanced listening copy!
An exploration of modern motherhood and the power of online influencers.
This book follows three women who each have unique backstories but end up interconnected.
I am always drawn to stories revolving around pregnancy, motherhood, birthing, postpartum, etc. This plot had an interesting layer with one of the characters being an online “momfluencer”. I found this an intriguing look into what can sometimes be the reality of what is posted online versus what is happening in real life behind the scenes. It was a good reality check to confirm that what people post online is usually the best version of themselves or the one they “want” people to see, an image they are creating. I enjoyed that theme as I feel it’s so important for everyone to truly sit back and analyze the people, organizations, businesses or ideas they follow online. Is everything you are seeing true?
I thought the author did a good job exploring new mom life — sharing the sense of overwhelm many new mothers face and the search for female connection throughout the postpartum days.
I liked what the author was doing in showing just how fake online influencers can be, but I did find that part of the storyline was very forced. It was like the author had a plan of what she wanted to write about but failed to create any sort of realistic element to portray it. The characters and scenes lacked natural ease and believability. There wasn’t any sort of genuine feel. The cult aspect wasn’t believable on any level.
There are multiple timelines and they didn’t flow well for me. The perspective shifts felt disjointed and prevented me from feeling any sort of connection to the characters or plot. As the story proceeded, there were many eye-rolling moments.
Overall, this didn’t work out for me but there are more favourable reviews out there so be sure to check those out!
Audio rating: 2 stars. I did not enjoy this audio narrator. Her voice changes for the male characters were cringey and awkward. I started by reading this book physically and then switched to audio hoping I would find a better connection, but it actually made it worse. I recommend reading the physical copy if you’re going to give this one a try!
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy and advanced listening copy!
February 21, 2026
Sorry to say but I found this book to be terrible. Not only was it way too long but the relevance of the topic dragged on and on.
I thought the plot idea was good but found the rest to be a total turn off as if the women in this story could not make a move without the approval of a pod-caster woman who lied and connived in order to make herself, her marriage, and her child raising skills ones to be emulated and practiced to the letter.
She ensnares women into thinking they are inadequate if they can't or don't spend ninety nine percent of their time catering to their baby, this creating a band of women who feel they fall short in the mothering category. God forbid a woman has to or wants to work for her perfection and devotion to her baby is gone and don't ever give your baby a bottle!!!!
I had four children and did indeed breastfeed them and did experience some regret when I stopped but I (and countless other women) moved on and didn't beat myself up.
At least the men were portrayed as loving and caring husbands who possessed the patience of Job.
I think the author's intent was to send a message to not take a pod caster's words as the ultimate mantra. It can and will destroy your life and make you feel depressed and worthless. New mothers should read this book but with caution and realize that words are often cheap when coming to you from a source who bends the truth.
Jan and I disliked it greatly.
I thought the plot idea was good but found the rest to be a total turn off as if the women in this story could not make a move without the approval of a pod-caster woman who lied and connived in order to make herself, her marriage, and her child raising skills ones to be emulated and practiced to the letter.
She ensnares women into thinking they are inadequate if they can't or don't spend ninety nine percent of their time catering to their baby, this creating a band of women who feel they fall short in the mothering category. God forbid a woman has to or wants to work for her perfection and devotion to her baby is gone and don't ever give your baby a bottle!!!!
I had four children and did indeed breastfeed them and did experience some regret when I stopped but I (and countless other women) moved on and didn't beat myself up.
At least the men were portrayed as loving and caring husbands who possessed the patience of Job.
I think the author's intent was to send a message to not take a pod caster's words as the ultimate mantra. It can and will destroy your life and make you feel depressed and worthless. New mothers should read this book but with caution and realize that words are often cheap when coming to you from a source who bends the truth.
Jan and I disliked it greatly.
February 27, 2026
Normally, I love books that dig into motherhood, but influencer tropes aren’t usually my thing. I probably should have skipped this one, but curiosity won, and I dove in. There was no “just one more chapter”; I couldn’t wait for a chapter to end, and then struggled to continue to read.
The story follows two women whose lives intersect with mommy influencer Angeni, who dishes out advice, or more like judgment, to new and expectant mothers. But her guidance feels misguided rather than helpful, and the fallout for those who follow her could be dangerous.
The story has the bones for a compelling exploration of motherhood, with suspenseful, thrilling moments that build toward a tense climax, but it falls short on believability. The ending pushes the danger too far, and the payoff doesn’t quite land.
While it didn’t work for me, I can see it being a thrilling read for those who enjoy drama and tension, delivering that high-stakes payoff at the end.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
The story follows two women whose lives intersect with mommy influencer Angeni, who dishes out advice, or more like judgment, to new and expectant mothers. But her guidance feels misguided rather than helpful, and the fallout for those who follow her could be dangerous.
The story has the bones for a compelling exploration of motherhood, with suspenseful, thrilling moments that build toward a tense climax, but it falls short on believability. The ending pushes the danger too far, and the payoff doesn’t quite land.
While it didn’t work for me, I can see it being a thrilling read for those who enjoy drama and tension, delivering that high-stakes payoff at the end.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
February 26, 2026
All the mothers, doing all the things, all the time.
4.5 stars rounded up.
"Gwen was overcome by a surge of heart-exploding love and warmth, but with cold terror on its heels. It was the simultaneous immense joy of having and fear of losing. This, she would realize, was motherhood."
Kim Hooper's latest novel perfectly captures the contradictions of modern-day motherhood with piercing honesty - its love and exhaustion, its guilt and grace, and the impossible standard of trying to do everything, perfectly, all at once.
While the novel opens with a literal bang - a shooting alluded to in the prologue - this is no thriller, and if you're expecting a heart-pounding mystery, this may not be for you. Told in alternating chapters through the intersecting lives of four women - Gwen, struggling with postpartum despair; Sasha, grieving her sister's death; Angeni, the radiant "momfluencer" whose online serenity conceals deep fractures beneath the filtered light; and Britt, whose story predates the others by 25 years - there are, of course, connective threads between them. None of the twists are particularly surprising or unexpected, but the novel's meditations on motherhood and what makes a good mother, its sharp critique of "momfluencer" culture, and its very unflinching depiction of what many mothers are facing every day, are both validating and thrilling in their own right.
Hooper's prose is both observant and deeply empathetic. As a mom of three, I felt seen and validated by her dedication "to all the mothers doing all the things all the time." The depiction of new-mom overwhelm - the sleeplessness, the pressure to provide adequate nutrition and a stimulating environment, the desperate need to feel like you're doing something right - rang painfully true. Reading it brought both nostalgia and relief that my own baby years are now behind me.
While the "momfluencer as a de facto online cult leader" subplot occasionally strains believability, Hooper deftly exposes how modern motherhood - especially the parts shared online - has become a performance, equal parts connection and competition.
Ultimately, Mother Is a Verb is a sharp, emotionally charged portrait of modern motherhood in the age of impossible expectations.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Mother Is a Verb" was published on February 17, 2026, and is available now.
4.5 stars rounded up.
"Gwen was overcome by a surge of heart-exploding love and warmth, but with cold terror on its heels. It was the simultaneous immense joy of having and fear of losing. This, she would realize, was motherhood."
Kim Hooper's latest novel perfectly captures the contradictions of modern-day motherhood with piercing honesty - its love and exhaustion, its guilt and grace, and the impossible standard of trying to do everything, perfectly, all at once.
While the novel opens with a literal bang - a shooting alluded to in the prologue - this is no thriller, and if you're expecting a heart-pounding mystery, this may not be for you. Told in alternating chapters through the intersecting lives of four women - Gwen, struggling with postpartum despair; Sasha, grieving her sister's death; Angeni, the radiant "momfluencer" whose online serenity conceals deep fractures beneath the filtered light; and Britt, whose story predates the others by 25 years - there are, of course, connective threads between them. None of the twists are particularly surprising or unexpected, but the novel's meditations on motherhood and what makes a good mother, its sharp critique of "momfluencer" culture, and its very unflinching depiction of what many mothers are facing every day, are both validating and thrilling in their own right.
Hooper's prose is both observant and deeply empathetic. As a mom of three, I felt seen and validated by her dedication "to all the mothers doing all the things all the time." The depiction of new-mom overwhelm - the sleeplessness, the pressure to provide adequate nutrition and a stimulating environment, the desperate need to feel like you're doing something right - rang painfully true. Reading it brought both nostalgia and relief that my own baby years are now behind me.
While the "momfluencer as a de facto online cult leader" subplot occasionally strains believability, Hooper deftly exposes how modern motherhood - especially the parts shared online - has become a performance, equal parts connection and competition.
Ultimately, Mother Is a Verb is a sharp, emotionally charged portrait of modern motherhood in the age of impossible expectations.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Mother Is a Verb" was published on February 17, 2026, and is available now.
March 4, 2026
..." explores the pressures of motherhood, the "momfluencer" culture, and the toxic impact of curated social media..."
3.5⭐
The 411☎️: Mother Is a Verb by Kim Hooper is a novel about three women—Gwen (postpartum stress), Angeni (a "momfluencer"), and Sasha (grieving sister)—"who cross paths on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, seeking connection and self-discovery, exploring the complexities and pressures of modern motherhood through themes of social media, self-help, and finding one's own way". This novel delves into the timeless debates surrounding motherhood (home birth vs hospital, formula vs breastfed, homeschool vs... you get the gist), the pressure to be perfect, and the search for validation and peace.
Genres 📖: Women's fiction, domestic fiction, suspense
Characters👩🍼🤱: Gwen: A new mother struggling with severe postpartum stress and a traumatic birth experience. Angeni Luna: A successful influencer who runs a "mommune" (motherhood commune) on Bainbridge Island, promoting an idealized, natural approach to parenting while harboring secrets from her own past. Sasha: A woman (not a mother herself) grieving the loss of her sister, Daphne (Oh! But there is more to her character 👀)
Thoughts💭: Words to describe this novel-powerful and raw, exhausting and infuriating, relatable in some aspects yet completely unrealistic in others. Emotional, thought provoking. Explores grief, toxic relationships, friendships, marriage, and obviously-motherhood. True to Hooper's typical writing style, this book is no holds barred. This author is well spoken, writing is beautiful and I will continue to pick up every book she writes as I appreciate her challenging topics, her writing skill and her ability to bring reality to life in her works of fiction. That being said, some of the reality in this particular book seemed so extreme to "me". While I may be a big proponent of breastfeeding the focus of breastfeeding in this book (yes, she was trying to make a point of this common debate in the current world) was over done in my eyes and some information and debate seemed incorrect. And Gwen was insufferable. Again, I understand trying to prove the point of postpartum depression, I had been there and cried many a day too but her crying in the book and the constant comparing herself, maybe it is different when you read it vs live it? I didn't have social media 21 years ago with my first born-it is very possible this is why my view is as it is. I believe this book can serve as a wonderful voice to new moms and even new dads to help understand but approach with caution.
The ending offers much closure and solace with forgiveness, accountability, and support.
Please consider reviewing the trigger warnings if you have any sensitivities as there are several.
Available on Kindle Unlimited with Audio
3.5⭐
The 411☎️: Mother Is a Verb by Kim Hooper is a novel about three women—Gwen (postpartum stress), Angeni (a "momfluencer"), and Sasha (grieving sister)—"who cross paths on Bainbridge Island in Washington State, seeking connection and self-discovery, exploring the complexities and pressures of modern motherhood through themes of social media, self-help, and finding one's own way". This novel delves into the timeless debates surrounding motherhood (home birth vs hospital, formula vs breastfed, homeschool vs... you get the gist), the pressure to be perfect, and the search for validation and peace.
Genres 📖: Women's fiction, domestic fiction, suspense
Characters👩🍼🤱: Gwen: A new mother struggling with severe postpartum stress and a traumatic birth experience. Angeni Luna: A successful influencer who runs a "mommune" (motherhood commune) on Bainbridge Island, promoting an idealized, natural approach to parenting while harboring secrets from her own past. Sasha: A woman (not a mother herself) grieving the loss of her sister, Daphne (Oh! But there is more to her character 👀)
Thoughts💭: Words to describe this novel-powerful and raw, exhausting and infuriating, relatable in some aspects yet completely unrealistic in others. Emotional, thought provoking. Explores grief, toxic relationships, friendships, marriage, and obviously-motherhood. True to Hooper's typical writing style, this book is no holds barred. This author is well spoken, writing is beautiful and I will continue to pick up every book she writes as I appreciate her challenging topics, her writing skill and her ability to bring reality to life in her works of fiction. That being said, some of the reality in this particular book seemed so extreme to "me". While I may be a big proponent of breastfeeding the focus of breastfeeding in this book (yes, she was trying to make a point of this common debate in the current world) was over done in my eyes and some information and debate seemed incorrect. And Gwen was insufferable. Again, I understand trying to prove the point of postpartum depression, I had been there and cried many a day too but her crying in the book and the constant comparing herself, maybe it is different when you read it vs live it? I didn't have social media 21 years ago with my first born-it is very possible this is why my view is as it is. I believe this book can serve as a wonderful voice to new moms and even new dads to help understand but approach with caution.
The ending offers much closure and solace with forgiveness, accountability, and support.
Please consider reviewing the trigger warnings if you have any sensitivities as there are several.
Available on Kindle Unlimited with Audio
February 8, 2026
#ad much love for my advance copy
& @brillianceaudio #partner for the ALC
Mother is a Verb
< @
Releases: February 17, 2026
We are dropped right in the middle of shit here. With Gwen walking into a police station, with her 3 month old baby. There’s been a shooting and detectives asked Gwen to come in for an interview. Oh, how interesting. I’m listening.
When Gwen was pregnant she followed @mother.nurture.official a suspected cult, on Instagram. It’s a momfluencer type of site but also a community who live together and post on social media. Sort of like trad wives.
🎧: also followed along with the audio and highly recommend it. Vanessa Johansson did phenomenal with all the different characters and made for an easy and fun listen.
Then there’s Angeni a new mother living on the commune “cult” who posts for Luna’s brand. But you know how curated posts can be and what’s actually happening is nothing that the followers see. We also get the chapters when she was a kid.
I liked this one. It was a fun and quick read but also dives into hot topics when it comes to motherhood and community. Postpartum, grief, and more.
I also liked how these women - their backstories - all come together on the island. The influencer side of this book was also fun. Loved everything having to do with Instagram.
My favorite though was the pushback to how the world expects mothers to be - all while keeping us busy and distracted, to not be focused on the real issues here. Fiercely feminist.
Great writing. Will def read more from this author.
& @brillianceaudio #partner for the ALC
Mother is a Verb
< @
Releases: February 17, 2026
We are dropped right in the middle of shit here. With Gwen walking into a police station, with her 3 month old baby. There’s been a shooting and detectives asked Gwen to come in for an interview. Oh, how interesting. I’m listening.
When Gwen was pregnant she followed @mother.nurture.official a suspected cult, on Instagram. It’s a momfluencer type of site but also a community who live together and post on social media. Sort of like trad wives.
🎧: also followed along with the audio and highly recommend it. Vanessa Johansson did phenomenal with all the different characters and made for an easy and fun listen.
Then there’s Angeni a new mother living on the commune “cult” who posts for Luna’s brand. But you know how curated posts can be and what’s actually happening is nothing that the followers see. We also get the chapters when she was a kid.
I liked this one. It was a fun and quick read but also dives into hot topics when it comes to motherhood and community. Postpartum, grief, and more.
I also liked how these women - their backstories - all come together on the island. The influencer side of this book was also fun. Loved everything having to do with Instagram.
My favorite though was the pushback to how the world expects mothers to be - all while keeping us busy and distracted, to not be focused on the real issues here. Fiercely feminist.
Great writing. Will def read more from this author.
October 21, 2025
‘In this bold and provocative exploration of modern motherhood, three women cross paths on the road to self-discovery, grappling with the uncertainty of whether they can accept what they find.’
Mother is a Verb, as the title implies, revolves around alternating FMC’s experiencing motherhood and/or loss in relation to, along with all the trials and tribulations in tow; labor & birthing plans, breastfeeding, mental health struggles, maternity leave… Breastfeeding being a significant focus.
Unfortunately, and even though I am a mother of three, I could not identify with any of these characters, their behavior, their obsession with an IG mom and her live-off-the-land-au-naturale-granola-esque mom facade. I could not relate. The cult-like following surrounding the IG mom isn't something I can wrap my head around. The superficiality of it all. So perhaps I am the wrong audience for this story.
But because of this, I had no feelings where the MC’s were concerned & little interest in turning the pages to find out what was in store. I did anyway of course. Still, I yearned for that character bond, for a jolt of intrigue, for an emotional hook or foothold... but came up empty. That’s not to say the writing wasn’t well done. It was. It was the story itself & the cast I grappled with. Getting through it felt like a trudge, more than an experience I was eager for.
So again, quite possibly a me-thing.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed Hooper’s previous novel, Woman on the Verge. Matter of fact, I still think about it occasionally. So even though this book wasn’t for me, it will not deter me from reading her future works.
2.5 ⭐️ RU.
Thanks to NG and Lake Union Publishing for this arc in exchange for review. I am always grateful.
Pub: 2.17.2026.
Mother is a Verb, as the title implies, revolves around alternating FMC’s experiencing motherhood and/or loss in relation to, along with all the trials and tribulations in tow; labor & birthing plans, breastfeeding, mental health struggles, maternity leave… Breastfeeding being a significant focus.
Unfortunately, and even though I am a mother of three, I could not identify with any of these characters, their behavior, their obsession with an IG mom and her live-off-the-land-au-naturale-granola-esque mom facade. I could not relate. The cult-like following surrounding the IG mom isn't something I can wrap my head around. The superficiality of it all. So perhaps I am the wrong audience for this story.
But because of this, I had no feelings where the MC’s were concerned & little interest in turning the pages to find out what was in store. I did anyway of course. Still, I yearned for that character bond, for a jolt of intrigue, for an emotional hook or foothold... but came up empty. That’s not to say the writing wasn’t well done. It was. It was the story itself & the cast I grappled with. Getting through it felt like a trudge, more than an experience I was eager for.
So again, quite possibly a me-thing.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed Hooper’s previous novel, Woman on the Verge. Matter of fact, I still think about it occasionally. So even though this book wasn’t for me, it will not deter me from reading her future works.
2.5 ⭐️ RU.
Thanks to NG and Lake Union Publishing for this arc in exchange for review. I am always grateful.
Pub: 2.17.2026.
February 19, 2026
rounded up for author loyalty
October 20, 2025
This is my first read of Kim Hoopers work, it will not be my last! First, I must say this is not my usual genre. I read a lot of cozy and high fantasy as well as historical fiction. This book was phenomenal. As a mother it is hard to find a book that encompasses all the different aspects, phases, and nuances that is motherhood.
This book however is great for any woman, mother or not. The way Kim details each of the characters own personal relationships and struggles and shines a light on some of the darker and more complex aspects of pregnancy, birth, loss, and new motherhood was so beautifully conceived. You get a full on story of how each character and relationship functions and how they all tie in together. This is not your average happy
Go lucky mommy read, the societal need for someone to “follow” and emulate social media influencers turns some of these families completely upside down. Mother/Daughter relationships are discussed from both angles, marriage after birth is discussed, and friendships after birth. The most important part of this book to me was the relationship many women have with social media, and how when one person is revered almost to a god like state on social media, they have to power to do great good as well as great harm. Amazing work covering so many sensitive topics with grace and honesty. I could not put this down until I finished it! Some trigger warnings include but are not limited to: maternal death, fetal death, infant death, birth, pregnancy, and infertility.
Full Disclosure -I read and received this book as an ARC but my opinions and experiences are my own, I did not receive any compensation for this review 💛Happy Reading 📖
This book however is great for any woman, mother or not. The way Kim details each of the characters own personal relationships and struggles and shines a light on some of the darker and more complex aspects of pregnancy, birth, loss, and new motherhood was so beautifully conceived. You get a full on story of how each character and relationship functions and how they all tie in together. This is not your average happy
Go lucky mommy read, the societal need for someone to “follow” and emulate social media influencers turns some of these families completely upside down. Mother/Daughter relationships are discussed from both angles, marriage after birth is discussed, and friendships after birth. The most important part of this book to me was the relationship many women have with social media, and how when one person is revered almost to a god like state on social media, they have to power to do great good as well as great harm. Amazing work covering so many sensitive topics with grace and honesty. I could not put this down until I finished it! Some trigger warnings include but are not limited to: maternal death, fetal death, infant death, birth, pregnancy, and infertility.
Full Disclosure -I read and received this book as an ARC but my opinions and experiences are my own, I did not receive any compensation for this review 💛Happy Reading 📖
April 5, 2026
Love love love this.
Mother is a verb tells the story of motherhood and how it can be drastically different from one woman to the next. It also focuses really heavily around the concept of "momfluencer" and how sometimes what we see isn't even close to what is reality.
Motherhood can be a difficult subject to write about because motherhood is not always simple nor beautiful. Regardless there is definitely no shortage of expectations for mothers, and I think Hooper tackles that perfectly with this story.
While some parts were more suspenseful then others, this was a story that I found myself easily lost in.
Mother is a verb tells the story of motherhood and how it can be drastically different from one woman to the next. It also focuses really heavily around the concept of "momfluencer" and how sometimes what we see isn't even close to what is reality.
Motherhood can be a difficult subject to write about because motherhood is not always simple nor beautiful. Regardless there is definitely no shortage of expectations for mothers, and I think Hooper tackles that perfectly with this story.
While some parts were more suspenseful then others, this was a story that I found myself easily lost in.
February 4, 2026
This is a brilliant character-driven novel that builds to an exciting ending. Hooper’s characters are fully developed and deeply nuanced, and her writing is perceptive and insightful. The main theme is motherhood and the pressure and judgment that comes with it (especially with the social media highlight reel), and as a childless lady, I loved the insight and chance to see a bit of what mothers go through. I appreciated that the book demonstrates how mothers are whole people with pasts and experiences, and you bring all of that into motherhood with you, whether you want to or not. There were so many small insightful passages peppered throughout the book that got me thinking—especially the passages on how hard it is when someone you depend on has depression, and the pain of longing for something you had and lost versus something you never had. I just adore books like this—captivating stories that reveal the lives of others, yet contain reflections that hit close to home.
March 5, 2026
4/5☆
Mother is a Verb is a novel that offers the readers a very raw look at modern motherhood through the eyes of social media and the momfluencer culture.
The story centers on three women:
Gwen is a new mom struggling with severe postpartum and a traumatic birthing experience, who feels she's lost her identity and is disconnected from her husband.
Sasha who is grieving the loss of her sister and niece during a home birth inspired by an influencer's advice that goes very wrong.
Angeni is a thriving social media guru who runs a commune focused on mindful and natural motherhood, despite her own dark past.
Told through multiple POVs and timelines, the story seemed a little dragged out with excessive details but is wrapped up nicely with an emotional and satisfying ending.
Mother is a Verb is a novel that offers the readers a very raw look at modern motherhood through the eyes of social media and the momfluencer culture.
The story centers on three women:
Gwen is a new mom struggling with severe postpartum and a traumatic birthing experience, who feels she's lost her identity and is disconnected from her husband.
Sasha who is grieving the loss of her sister and niece during a home birth inspired by an influencer's advice that goes very wrong.
Angeni is a thriving social media guru who runs a commune focused on mindful and natural motherhood, despite her own dark past.
Told through multiple POVs and timelines, the story seemed a little dragged out with excessive details but is wrapped up nicely with an emotional and satisfying ending.
March 7, 2026
Hooper’s book courageously delves into the darker side of social media’s impact on women. Through the compelling stories of three distinct women from varied backgrounds, she lays bare the emotional and physical hardships that accompany motherhood. I found myself deeply connecting with Gwen, as I have experienced many of her struggles firsthand. While I initially felt animosity toward Angeni, by the end, my heart softened for her, a testament to Hooper’s skill in evoking profound emotions through her characters. Moreover, her ability to intricately weave in unexpected plot twists keeps the narrative engaging and fresh. This book is not just an absorbing read; it serves as a crucial commentary on the urgent need for change in women’s health and our societal perceptions of motherhood, particularly in today’s volatile political landscape. I am grateful for the gifted advanced reader copy and look forward to Hooper’s newest book coming out in June.
February 13, 2026
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley! This was phenomenal!
March 23, 2026
Honestly 3.75⭐️ good book with lots to think about, but the ending didn’t close up all my questions and I find that to be a tad bit annoying
January 21, 2026
*Thank you to the author for a pre-release copy of this novel - out on 2.17.26!*
I have been a Kim Hooper fan since several years ago when I read All the Acorns on the Forest Floor, and have since read several of her books. Her novels have a way of building real, complex, flawed characters that you come to care about quickly, and they almost always make me cry (in a good way).
Mother is a Verb was particularly poignant & powerful to me, as I became a mother for the first time in late 2024. This novel perfectly encapsulates the struggle of being a mom in this digital age - Google, social media, Reddit, AI, all the information at our fingertips can seem like a blessing, but often becomes overwhelming and can drown out our own inner voice when it comes to how to parent our children. There is so much noise & pressure to be a “good” mom. I found myself completely pulled in by each and every character, nodding emphatically, laughing, and crying along with them as they navigated new motherhood in this insane world we now live in. I highlighted so many sections that completely resonated with me. If you are a mother, you will absolutely find something in this book to relate to.
I think my favorite part of Mother is a Verb is the very important reminder that whether you breastfeed or formula feed, work or stay home, give birth in a hospital or at home, co-sleep or crib - no matter what choices you make when it comes to your children - we are all, at the root, just trying to be good parents who want the best for our kids. This novel was a reminder to treat myself, and all moms, with grace and compassion. A beautiful novel that I gobbled up quickly!
I have been a Kim Hooper fan since several years ago when I read All the Acorns on the Forest Floor, and have since read several of her books. Her novels have a way of building real, complex, flawed characters that you come to care about quickly, and they almost always make me cry (in a good way).
Mother is a Verb was particularly poignant & powerful to me, as I became a mother for the first time in late 2024. This novel perfectly encapsulates the struggle of being a mom in this digital age - Google, social media, Reddit, AI, all the information at our fingertips can seem like a blessing, but often becomes overwhelming and can drown out our own inner voice when it comes to how to parent our children. There is so much noise & pressure to be a “good” mom. I found myself completely pulled in by each and every character, nodding emphatically, laughing, and crying along with them as they navigated new motherhood in this insane world we now live in. I highlighted so many sections that completely resonated with me. If you are a mother, you will absolutely find something in this book to relate to.
I think my favorite part of Mother is a Verb is the very important reminder that whether you breastfeed or formula feed, work or stay home, give birth in a hospital or at home, co-sleep or crib - no matter what choices you make when it comes to your children - we are all, at the root, just trying to be good parents who want the best for our kids. This novel was a reminder to treat myself, and all moms, with grace and compassion. A beautiful novel that I gobbled up quickly!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoy this author's writing; I've never read a book from her I didn't enjoy. She has a way of drawing you into her stories so that you become invested in each and every character.
October 29, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to start off my review by saying that I rounded up to three stars because it was an arc read. If I was recommended this book after pub date, then this review would have been two stars for sure. I felt like it was a chore getting through this one. I was so excited for a “mom book” because I always want to bond with at least one main character. That didn’t happen for me with this book.
I do want to say that I enjoyed the writing style, the multiple POVs, and the chapters from different perspectives and timelines. I enjoyed the separate stories, the blending, and the way all of the characters came together to bring about a positive change in the end. That being said…I could not stand any of the characters the entire way through the story.
This story focuses on motherhood, but the huge priority here was the obsession with influencers on social media. The way these new mothers chose an influencer over health care professionals, their family & friends, and their spouses BLEW ME AWAY!!!! Now, I was psychotic as a new mom…I suffered PTSD, PPD, and PP-all-the-things. That being said…holy fucking shit!!!!! These women were fucking bonkers!!!! I could not comprehend what was going on in their heads. I’m glad we had the influencer’s POV because it just showed us that no one…I repeat…no one has their shit together all the fucking time. It’s just not realistic.
I hated this book for the first 40%. I struggled through it until around the 80% mark, and I finished strong not hating it completely. I did not hate the writing style, but I found every character absolutely insufferable. The only character I didn’t hate the entire book was Sasha (Sitka). She was suffering from the devastating loss of her sister due to birth complications, and she blamed the influencer Angeni Luna for her sister’s death.
I don’t believe I have to give a summary of the book since it’s easy to find them here, but I do want to say that I’m happy with the ending of this one. I just wouldn’t purchase it, recommend it, or read it again personally. I will most likely try this author out again in the future.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this arc. I do appreciate what the author did here with this novel. Unfortunately, I was not the intended reader for this type of novel.
I’m going to start off my review by saying that I rounded up to three stars because it was an arc read. If I was recommended this book after pub date, then this review would have been two stars for sure. I felt like it was a chore getting through this one. I was so excited for a “mom book” because I always want to bond with at least one main character. That didn’t happen for me with this book.
I do want to say that I enjoyed the writing style, the multiple POVs, and the chapters from different perspectives and timelines. I enjoyed the separate stories, the blending, and the way all of the characters came together to bring about a positive change in the end. That being said…I could not stand any of the characters the entire way through the story.
This story focuses on motherhood, but the huge priority here was the obsession with influencers on social media. The way these new mothers chose an influencer over health care professionals, their family & friends, and their spouses BLEW ME AWAY!!!! Now, I was psychotic as a new mom…I suffered PTSD, PPD, and PP-all-the-things. That being said…holy fucking shit!!!!! These women were fucking bonkers!!!! I could not comprehend what was going on in their heads. I’m glad we had the influencer’s POV because it just showed us that no one…I repeat…no one has their shit together all the fucking time. It’s just not realistic.
I hated this book for the first 40%. I struggled through it until around the 80% mark, and I finished strong not hating it completely. I did not hate the writing style, but I found every character absolutely insufferable. The only character I didn’t hate the entire book was Sasha (Sitka). She was suffering from the devastating loss of her sister due to birth complications, and she blamed the influencer Angeni Luna for her sister’s death.
I don’t believe I have to give a summary of the book since it’s easy to find them here, but I do want to say that I’m happy with the ending of this one. I just wouldn’t purchase it, recommend it, or read it again personally. I will most likely try this author out again in the future.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this arc. I do appreciate what the author did here with this novel. Unfortunately, I was not the intended reader for this type of novel.
November 20, 2025
Actual rating: 4.5
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Mother Is a Verb is my first Kim Hooper book, and definitely not my last. Right from the opening chapters, I felt seen in a way I wasn’t expecting. Hooper writes motherhood with a rawness that cuts through the noise: the pressure to be the “best,” the constant comparison, that lingering fear of not being enough, and the chorus of opinions telling mothers what they should be doing. It captures the emotional weight so honestly that reading it felt like sitting across from someone who finally says all the things you’ve been carrying quietly.
As a mother myself, so many moments hit painfully close to home. There’s something grounding about seeing your own anxieties reflected on the page, not dramatized, not softened, but presented with truth and empathy. Hooper manages to put words to feelings that often stay unspoken.
One aspect that really stood out to me was how the book explores the disturbingly high pedestal that people place social media “influencers” on. And I say “influencers” loosely, because today it feels like anyone with a large enough following can wear that label. The book highlights how curated, filtered, and often misleading these online lives can be, yet people absorb them as the standard for success, happiness, or even good parenting. It’s eerie but accurate—this idea that influencers hold authority simply because they post daily, and how easily some people accept their content without question. The contrast between what’s real and what’s performed is sharp, and Hooper captures that tension so well.
This story felt honest, uncomfortable in the right ways, and validating all at once. I already know I want a physical copy once it’s released, because it’s a book I can see myself revisiting during different stages of motherhood.
Expected publication date: February 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Mother Is a Verb is my first Kim Hooper book, and definitely not my last. Right from the opening chapters, I felt seen in a way I wasn’t expecting. Hooper writes motherhood with a rawness that cuts through the noise: the pressure to be the “best,” the constant comparison, that lingering fear of not being enough, and the chorus of opinions telling mothers what they should be doing. It captures the emotional weight so honestly that reading it felt like sitting across from someone who finally says all the things you’ve been carrying quietly.
As a mother myself, so many moments hit painfully close to home. There’s something grounding about seeing your own anxieties reflected on the page, not dramatized, not softened, but presented with truth and empathy. Hooper manages to put words to feelings that often stay unspoken.
One aspect that really stood out to me was how the book explores the disturbingly high pedestal that people place social media “influencers” on. And I say “influencers” loosely, because today it feels like anyone with a large enough following can wear that label. The book highlights how curated, filtered, and often misleading these online lives can be, yet people absorb them as the standard for success, happiness, or even good parenting. It’s eerie but accurate—this idea that influencers hold authority simply because they post daily, and how easily some people accept their content without question. The contrast between what’s real and what’s performed is sharp, and Hooper captures that tension so well.
This story felt honest, uncomfortable in the right ways, and validating all at once. I already know I want a physical copy once it’s released, because it’s a book I can see myself revisiting during different stages of motherhood.
Expected publication date: February 17, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The sanctity of motherhood, of womanhood, of “traditional” marriage have been hot topics in the cultural zeitgeist lately. With the rise of mainstream tradwife content, the fall of Roe v. Wade, and the implementation of Project 2025 across the US, the duty of a woman’s body has been contested 24/7. Mother is a Verb is a fascinating look at the intersection of motherhood and womanhood, and begs the question of can they exist together after you have given birth?
Angeni Luna is an Instagram famous spiritual healer who promotes her journey to motherhood with an effort to remain as pure, natural, and connected to the Spirit as possible. Her perfect life as a new mother is broadcast daily to her fans worldwide, many of whom are vulnerable women on the verge of new motherhood who see parts of themselves in Angeni. What those mothers don’t know is that Angeni has a night nurse, a village of people who can cook and clean and tend to her land, and, while she may have labored in a tub at home, her baby was delivered in a hospital with access to the lifesaving care she needed immediately after birth. When her private life begins to bleed into the lives of her followers, things unravel quickly, and the morbid truth of the realities of motherhood is revealed.
I found this book so fascinating, especially in our current climate. I appreciated how the author, a white woman, handled the issues of Black mother mortality with care and honesty. I found the insight into new motherhood brilliant, exploring the ways that pregnancy fundamentally changes your mind, body and soul. A little lit fic, a little psychological thriller, a little social commentary, Mother is a Verb, shines a light on the complexities and intricacies of being a mother in America.
The sanctity of motherhood, of womanhood, of “traditional” marriage have been hot topics in the cultural zeitgeist lately. With the rise of mainstream tradwife content, the fall of Roe v. Wade, and the implementation of Project 2025 across the US, the duty of a woman’s body has been contested 24/7. Mother is a Verb is a fascinating look at the intersection of motherhood and womanhood, and begs the question of can they exist together after you have given birth?
Angeni Luna is an Instagram famous spiritual healer who promotes her journey to motherhood with an effort to remain as pure, natural, and connected to the Spirit as possible. Her perfect life as a new mother is broadcast daily to her fans worldwide, many of whom are vulnerable women on the verge of new motherhood who see parts of themselves in Angeni. What those mothers don’t know is that Angeni has a night nurse, a village of people who can cook and clean and tend to her land, and, while she may have labored in a tub at home, her baby was delivered in a hospital with access to the lifesaving care she needed immediately after birth. When her private life begins to bleed into the lives of her followers, things unravel quickly, and the morbid truth of the realities of motherhood is revealed.
I found this book so fascinating, especially in our current climate. I appreciated how the author, a white woman, handled the issues of Black mother mortality with care and honesty. I found the insight into new motherhood brilliant, exploring the ways that pregnancy fundamentally changes your mind, body and soul. A little lit fic, a little psychological thriller, a little social commentary, Mother is a Verb, shines a light on the complexities and intricacies of being a mother in America.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mother Is A Verb is an exquisite novel that give us an inside look into the toxic and sometimes painful life of motherhood and those who prey on them.
Gwen Fisher is struggling with life after having suffered a traumatic experience while giving birth. Her husband Jeff tries to help, but he just doesn't get it. She follows a woman online named Angeni Luna who lives in a compound with her best friend, her handsome husband and her beautiful child. Angeni posts only of her perfect life, with her perfect compound and her advice that her followers seem to follow religiously. One of her followers named Daphne decides to have a home birth because Angeni had one and Angeni insists that home births are the best for moms. The home birth goes wrong, Daphne and the baby don't make it. Her sister Sasha blames Angeni and her advice that doesn't always serve women in the most positive way. As Sasha decides to inflitrate and expose Angeni for who she really is, Sasha will deal with her own grief and will also find healing in the most unimaginable place with the people she thought she would hate.
I can not express how much I loved this book and all of the characters. I am not a mother, but the characters and their struggles were heartfelt and at times relatable. Gwen and Leigh were beautiful struggling characters who had so much to give to each other once they surpassed their little issue. Sasha aka Sitka, was my favorite character. She was able to forgive Angeni while also teaching Angeni and her husband that their advice could be harmful to their followers and that not everyone fits their lifestyle choices. The themes were deep, the pain was raw and motherhood isn't the same for everyone.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Gwen Fisher is struggling with life after having suffered a traumatic experience while giving birth. Her husband Jeff tries to help, but he just doesn't get it. She follows a woman online named Angeni Luna who lives in a compound with her best friend, her handsome husband and her beautiful child. Angeni posts only of her perfect life, with her perfect compound and her advice that her followers seem to follow religiously. One of her followers named Daphne decides to have a home birth because Angeni had one and Angeni insists that home births are the best for moms. The home birth goes wrong, Daphne and the baby don't make it. Her sister Sasha blames Angeni and her advice that doesn't always serve women in the most positive way. As Sasha decides to inflitrate and expose Angeni for who she really is, Sasha will deal with her own grief and will also find healing in the most unimaginable place with the people she thought she would hate.
I can not express how much I loved this book and all of the characters. I am not a mother, but the characters and their struggles were heartfelt and at times relatable. Gwen and Leigh were beautiful struggling characters who had so much to give to each other once they surpassed their little issue. Sasha aka Sitka, was my favorite character. She was able to forgive Angeni while also teaching Angeni and her husband that their advice could be harmful to their followers and that not everyone fits their lifestyle choices. The themes were deep, the pain was raw and motherhood isn't the same for everyone.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 25, 2026
ALC review, received from NetGallery
I really have a hard time rating Motherhood Is a Verb by Kim Hooper. I listened to the audiobook, and unfortunately, the narration wasn’t the best, which made it harder for me to stay engaged with the story.
Let me start by saying that the writing itself is well done. I enjoyed the use of multiple POVs and perspectives. However I found myself struggling to get through the book. It took me a while to finish. I wasn’t drawn to the story, and its disjointed flow made it difficult to stay emotionally invested.
Even though I am a mother myself, I was surprised that I couldn’t form a strong emotional connection with any of the characters. Many of them came across as immature and shallow. I wanted to feel more—to understand them more deeply—but that connection never fully developed for me.
Another aspect I struggled with was the heavy focus on social media, Instagram culture, the so-called influencer dynamics, and the cult-like following. While this could be a realistic reflection of today’s world, it wasn’t something I personally related to. I can see how this element might resonate strongly with some readers, but it didn’t work for me.
Overall, I respect the message and the intention behind the book, and I can see why it may impact other readers. It does highlight the reality that motherhood is hard, messy, and that no one truly has it all figured out, but the lack of emotional connection, uneven pacing, and audiobook narration made it difficult for me to fully enjoy. This is one of those books that may hit differently depending on the reader and their personal experiences.
A big Thank you to NetGallery and Lake Union Publishing for gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
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NetGallery
I really have a hard time rating Motherhood Is a Verb by Kim Hooper. I listened to the audiobook, and unfortunately, the narration wasn’t the best, which made it harder for me to stay engaged with the story.
Let me start by saying that the writing itself is well done. I enjoyed the use of multiple POVs and perspectives. However I found myself struggling to get through the book. It took me a while to finish. I wasn’t drawn to the story, and its disjointed flow made it difficult to stay emotionally invested.
Even though I am a mother myself, I was surprised that I couldn’t form a strong emotional connection with any of the characters. Many of them came across as immature and shallow. I wanted to feel more—to understand them more deeply—but that connection never fully developed for me.
Another aspect I struggled with was the heavy focus on social media, Instagram culture, the so-called influencer dynamics, and the cult-like following. While this could be a realistic reflection of today’s world, it wasn’t something I personally related to. I can see how this element might resonate strongly with some readers, but it didn’t work for me.
Overall, I respect the message and the intention behind the book, and I can see why it may impact other readers. It does highlight the reality that motherhood is hard, messy, and that no one truly has it all figured out, but the lack of emotional connection, uneven pacing, and audiobook narration made it difficult for me to fully enjoy. This is one of those books that may hit differently depending on the reader and their personal experiences.
A big Thank you to NetGallery and Lake Union Publishing for gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
NetGallery
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Unfortunately, even though I am a mother of two, I couldn’t identify with any of these characters on a deep level. Their behavior—and especially the obsession with an Instagram-famous, live-off-the-land, secluded from society, felt far removed from my own experience. The cult-like following surrounding this IG mom is something I simply couldn’t wrap my head around, and the overall superficiality of it all made it difficult for me to connect. I think this could definitely hit difference with a different audience though. Because of that disconnect, I never developed much emotional investment in the main characters, and I wasn’t desperately awaiting the next time I could pick the book back up to continue reading. The writing itself is well done, I simply didn’t get pulled into the story or characters.
The story’s pacing felt inconsistent, and I found myself having to actively focus instead of being naturally drawn into the narrative. There was an overall sense that something was “off,” and while I could relate to the very surface-level desire to be everything for your child, the story takes that idea to such an extreme that it lost emotional credibility for me. Many of the characters came across as emotionally immature, even when their strong communication skills seemed to mask that immaturity.
That said, the message and purpose of the story do shine through in the end: there is no rulebook for motherhood, every experience is unique, no one truly has it all figured out, and we are all shaped by our pasts while doing the best we can. I appreciated that sentiment to my core.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and may differ from the final published version.*
The story’s pacing felt inconsistent, and I found myself having to actively focus instead of being naturally drawn into the narrative. There was an overall sense that something was “off,” and while I could relate to the very surface-level desire to be everything for your child, the story takes that idea to such an extreme that it lost emotional credibility for me. Many of the characters came across as emotionally immature, even when their strong communication skills seemed to mask that immaturity.
That said, the message and purpose of the story do shine through in the end: there is no rulebook for motherhood, every experience is unique, no one truly has it all figured out, and we are all shaped by our pasts while doing the best we can. I appreciated that sentiment to my core.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and may differ from the final published version.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Hooper excels at writing stories like these, with several different perspectives coming together to tell the same story and it’s a story with motherhood at the core. This one touches on some hot topics right now like the trad wife trend/crunchy moms. One of the characters is a “momfluencer” with a huge instagram following both her marriage and her mom journey. Like most social media, there’s a haze obscuring the truth, and when real people are swayed into following these edicts to a T, it can be dangerous. If you’re a mother you’ve no doubt heard lots of debates on natural births, home births, midwives, breastfeeding vs formula, co-sleeping, going back to work, and on and on. It’s been a long time since those things were on my mind but I hope new moms now are seeing that there is no right way to do any of this. You can plan and hope and wish but you cannot orchestrate every detail of giving birth or raising kids. Things can and will go off the rails, no matter what. There’s value to the “crunchiness” for sure, but the issue is when those things come off as better than, or the only way. Or when it’s portrayed as easy. Motherhood is not easy and it’s only fair to talk about the struggles alongside the joy. Not just fair but it’s necessary.
Obviously this book brought forward a lot of thoughts on this subject but to summarize I will say mother IS a verb. It’s an action and it comes in many different forms. And as Hooper eloquently points out, we have to mother ourselves too. This book does a great job encompassing all of these aspects, thoughts, etc and presenting it in an easy to read, page turning story.
Hooper excels at writing stories like these, with several different perspectives coming together to tell the same story and it’s a story with motherhood at the core. This one touches on some hot topics right now like the trad wife trend/crunchy moms. One of the characters is a “momfluencer” with a huge instagram following both her marriage and her mom journey. Like most social media, there’s a haze obscuring the truth, and when real people are swayed into following these edicts to a T, it can be dangerous. If you’re a mother you’ve no doubt heard lots of debates on natural births, home births, midwives, breastfeeding vs formula, co-sleeping, going back to work, and on and on. It’s been a long time since those things were on my mind but I hope new moms now are seeing that there is no right way to do any of this. You can plan and hope and wish but you cannot orchestrate every detail of giving birth or raising kids. Things can and will go off the rails, no matter what. There’s value to the “crunchiness” for sure, but the issue is when those things come off as better than, or the only way. Or when it’s portrayed as easy. Motherhood is not easy and it’s only fair to talk about the struggles alongside the joy. Not just fair but it’s necessary.
Obviously this book brought forward a lot of thoughts on this subject but to summarize I will say mother IS a verb. It’s an action and it comes in many different forms. And as Hooper eloquently points out, we have to mother ourselves too. This book does a great job encompassing all of these aspects, thoughts, etc and presenting it in an easy to read, page turning story.
February 15, 2026
Kim Hooper does it again and delivers with another 5 star read. After reading Kim’s Woman On The Verge ARC and realizing how starved I was to be seen in my own post partum journey, I knew I needed to read more books from her. When I saw she had written another book Mother is a Verb, I was so excited to see if it would fulfill that void that I felt to feel seen once more in my experience as a mom in the early years.
Mother is A Verb provides readers with a relatable and raw version of the motherhood experience that many women can resonate with but is not often spoken about. It will have struggling post partum mothers feeling so seen while reading and realizing that they are not alone in their struggles of always trying to be the “perfect mother” and that we are all just doing our best to survive those early years of motherhood, one day at a time.
I enjoy that Kim can create such relatable stories with an unhinged and slightly suspenseful feeling to her writing that will have you rethinking your moral compass and what you would do if in the same situation as the characters.
Mother is a Verb is a story about 3 women, Gwen, Sasha and Angeni. Angeni, a social media influencer that promotes a more natural and hands on approach to motherhood, doesn’t realize the dangers of setting such high and unrealistic expectations of women and new mothers. She’s had a hold on both Sasha, in her grief and Gwen, a new mom in more ways than she knows. The 3 women are brought together briefly which results in a shooting and readers are taken back to see just how the three of them are connected and more alike in their struggles than they thought.
Mother is A Verb provides readers with a relatable and raw version of the motherhood experience that many women can resonate with but is not often spoken about. It will have struggling post partum mothers feeling so seen while reading and realizing that they are not alone in their struggles of always trying to be the “perfect mother” and that we are all just doing our best to survive those early years of motherhood, one day at a time.
I enjoy that Kim can create such relatable stories with an unhinged and slightly suspenseful feeling to her writing that will have you rethinking your moral compass and what you would do if in the same situation as the characters.
Mother is a Verb is a story about 3 women, Gwen, Sasha and Angeni. Angeni, a social media influencer that promotes a more natural and hands on approach to motherhood, doesn’t realize the dangers of setting such high and unrealistic expectations of women and new mothers. She’s had a hold on both Sasha, in her grief and Gwen, a new mom in more ways than she knows. The 3 women are brought together briefly which results in a shooting and readers are taken back to see just how the three of them are connected and more alike in their struggles than they thought.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love momfluencer stories, so I had to have this. It’s a lot quieter/more grounded than I expected, but very thoughtful and beautifully written.
Premise - Gwen is a new mom in the throes of PPD. Sasha Robinson is grieving the death of her sister, a victim of home birth. And Angeni Luna is a back-to-nature momfluencer running a culty commune on Bainbridge Island. When the three women cross paths, it soon becomes clear none of the women's lives are as cut-and-dried as they seem.
I was really expecting this to be dishier and gossipier than it was, probably due to the momfluencer angle. It’s really a quite grounded book, truer to thoughtful book club fiction than any sort of thriller (though there is some suspense).
It examines the pressure of modern motherhood, culpability when non-doctors give what boils down to medical advice, and the ever-persevering-fakeness of social media.
I didn’t feel it necessarily added much new to the conversation and I’d hoped to connect with at least one of the characters more than I did, but it’s a well told story and I enjoyed it. I just don’t think it’ll stick with me.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Vanessa Johansson. I think I definitely enjoyed it more in this format than I would have as a traditional book, so I highly recommend.
Pick this up for your mom friends! … but maybe wait until their youngest is 5+ years old.😅
Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - Gwen is a new mom in the throes of PPD. Sasha Robinson is grieving the death of her sister, a victim of home birth. And Angeni Luna is a back-to-nature momfluencer running a culty commune on Bainbridge Island. When the three women cross paths, it soon becomes clear none of the women's lives are as cut-and-dried as they seem.
I was really expecting this to be dishier and gossipier than it was, probably due to the momfluencer angle. It’s really a quite grounded book, truer to thoughtful book club fiction than any sort of thriller (though there is some suspense).
It examines the pressure of modern motherhood, culpability when non-doctors give what boils down to medical advice, and the ever-persevering-fakeness of social media.
I didn’t feel it necessarily added much new to the conversation and I’d hoped to connect with at least one of the characters more than I did, but it’s a well told story and I enjoyed it. I just don’t think it’ll stick with me.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Vanessa Johansson. I think I definitely enjoyed it more in this format than I would have as a traditional book, so I highly recommend.
Pick this up for your mom friends! … but maybe wait until their youngest is 5+ years old.😅
Thanks, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
MOTHER IS A VERB is the sixth book that I’ve read from Kim Hooper, and her talent shines brighter and brighter with each new release. In her latest, Hooper expertly blends all of my favorite themes like motherhood, marriage, and female friendship into one compelling story that I found impossible to put down. It’s dark and heavy at times, yet timely, relevant, and relatable. It weaves three different women’s storylines while exposing the dark side of social media and its performative influencers. Through selective content sharing, editing out the hard stuff, omitting truthful details, and the impossibility of witnessing what goes on behind-the-scenes, motherhood becomes extremely competitive by giving women impossible standards to follow. Hooper crafts a twisty and mysterious tale that uncovers and explores this toxic desire for perfectionism.
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Female friendship
- Marriage and motherhood
- Mommy wars
- #momlife
- Complex relationships
- Influencer lifestyle
- Communal living
- Fun twists and turns
- PNW setting
- Multiple POVs and timelines
MOTHER IS A VERB releases on February 17th. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now! 4/5 solid stars!
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Female friendship
- Marriage and motherhood
- Mommy wars
- #momlife
- Complex relationships
- Influencer lifestyle
- Communal living
- Fun twists and turns
- PNW setting
- Multiple POVs and timelines
MOTHER IS A VERB releases on February 17th. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now! 4/5 solid stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who experienced anxiety throughout my pregnancy and much of the first year after giving birth, I truly connected with this book. The Momfluencer aspect especially resonated with me, as I’ve followed (and still follow) many of the same influencers. Rather than providing reassurance, they often made me feel inadequate. The pressure to be the "BEST MOM" is overwhelming, and those who don’t conform to stereotypes are often shamed. It took me two years to start feeling like myself again and to grant myself grace, to accept that it’s okay not to be the perfect mother, but to keep learning from my mistakes and strive to be better each day.
What didn’t work for me: the relationship dynamics between Leigh and Nathan, the completely random kiss between Gwen and Leigh, and the motive behind Gwen's trip to Bainbridge Island. This is something we could have easily done without harming the plot.
Overall, a good story, but could do without a few plot points. It could be triggering to some mothers, but also eye-opening and validating at the same time.
I listened to the audiobook and adored the narrator. Her ability to create distinct voices and tones for each character was remarkable. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her narrations. Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my review.
Publication Date: February 17th, 2026.
3.5/5🌟.
What didn’t work for me: the relationship dynamics between Leigh and Nathan, the completely random kiss between Gwen and Leigh, and the motive behind Gwen's trip to Bainbridge Island. This is something we could have easily done without harming the plot.
Overall, a good story, but could do without a few plot points. It could be triggering to some mothers, but also eye-opening and validating at the same time.
I listened to the audiobook and adored the narrator. Her ability to create distinct voices and tones for each character was remarkable. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her narrations. Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my review.
Publication Date: February 17th, 2026.
3.5/5🌟.
March 25, 2026
“Raw, Real, and Impossible to Put Down”
Mom Is a Verb completely pulled me in and did not let go. At over 400 pages, I somehow finished it in a single day because it felt less like reading and more like binge-watching a series I couldn’t pause.
What really stood out to me was how layered this story is. The multiple points of view from different mothers, both during pregnancy and after, gave such a wide and honest look at motherhood. But it didn’t stop there. We also get perspectives from fathers, siblings, and people impacted by loss, which made the story feel even more real and emotionally grounded.
I loved how the book explored the influence of social media, especially the pressure created by influencers. It really highlights how easily people can compare themselves to these curated versions of life, even when those “perfect” standards aren’t real to begin with. That theme hit hard and felt incredibly relevant.
There were so many gripping moments throughout, balanced with quieter, emotional ones that focused on grief, connection, and finding your place. I especially appreciated the way it showed both the beauty and the struggle of motherhood. From tragedy to friendship to healing, every storyline added something meaningful.
At its core, this book is about community and sisterhood, and how women support each other through all stages of life, even the messy and painful ones.
This is absolutely a must-read. I still can’t believe I read it all in one day.
Mom Is a Verb completely pulled me in and did not let go. At over 400 pages, I somehow finished it in a single day because it felt less like reading and more like binge-watching a series I couldn’t pause.
What really stood out to me was how layered this story is. The multiple points of view from different mothers, both during pregnancy and after, gave such a wide and honest look at motherhood. But it didn’t stop there. We also get perspectives from fathers, siblings, and people impacted by loss, which made the story feel even more real and emotionally grounded.
I loved how the book explored the influence of social media, especially the pressure created by influencers. It really highlights how easily people can compare themselves to these curated versions of life, even when those “perfect” standards aren’t real to begin with. That theme hit hard and felt incredibly relevant.
There were so many gripping moments throughout, balanced with quieter, emotional ones that focused on grief, connection, and finding your place. I especially appreciated the way it showed both the beauty and the struggle of motherhood. From tragedy to friendship to healing, every storyline added something meaningful.
At its core, this book is about community and sisterhood, and how women support each other through all stages of life, even the messy and painful ones.
This is absolutely a must-read. I still can’t believe I read it all in one day.
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