You Can't Shoot Your Mother-In-Law: The Entirely True Tales of a Daughter-In-Law

by Tonya Reid

A tale as old as time, You Can’t Shoot Your The Entirely True Tales of a Daughter-In-Law captures the common power struggle between a woman and her very Southern mother-in-law. A journey from absolute aggravation to authentic affection, Tonya Reid offers a collection of hilariously relatable essays of lessons learned from not only “Mother,” but other influential women in the author’s life. From a singing career-ending nun to trying to triage hemorrhoids to navigating elder care for a mother-in-law who has no concept of please and thank you, every entirely true, page turning tale keeps the reader nodding knowingly and laughing until their ribs hurt.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2025

Reviews

[Porter Metzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of essays that are full of heart and humor. A reminder that relationships aren't always easy, but at the end of the day, they are what you make of them. Have a crappy mother-in-law? Flip the script and approach life with a bit of humor, and you might end up with a friend that you write a book about instead.

The book is loaded with different stories of the women who have impacted the author's life (not just her mother-in-law). It is a reflection on the idea that not only do the generations before us shape who we are, but we also have the power to shape who the generations before us can become. Relationships are a two-way street, giving both parties the opportunity to grow.

I couldn't put it down once I started and found myself laughing along with the author's unique sense of humor and way with words. I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing stories of a southern MIL that you will recognize as someone in your own life. Such a quick, easy, funny read that will have you laughing and crying till the end.

[Sandi Walthall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the funniest books I’ve read in a while. It’s packed with wild family stories that make the reader feel like they know Mother!