Mom Life: Perfection Pending

by Meredith Ethington

Out-parented at PTA? Out-liked on social media? Wondering how your best friend from high school’s kids are always color-coordinated, angelic, and beaming from every photo, while your kids look more like feral monkeys? It’s okay. Imperfection is the new perfection! Join Meredith Ethington, “one of the funniest parents on Facebook,” according to Today.com, as she relates encouraging stories of real-mom life in her debut parenting humor book, Mom Life: Perfection Pending.

Whether you’re buried in piles of laundry, packing your 50th sack lunch for the week, or almost making it out the door in time for school, you’ll laugh along with stories of what real-mom life is like—and realize that sometimes simply making it through the day is good enough. An uplifting yet real look at all that is expected of moms in the 21st century, Mom Life: Perfection Pending is so relatable you’ll find yourself saying, “I guess I’m doing okay after all.”

Genres: Nonfiction

158 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2018

Reviews

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay to me. One or two blog-posts-turned-chapters is funny but the book seemed to drag on after the third list of how things go with kids. I guess part of it is that although I agree wholeheartedly that mothering is hard and many days just plain suck, I have never "cursed the day I ever wanted children," even in jest. I have felt like a failure at mothering but do not relate to a lot of what she mentions in this book. I started following Perfection Pending on Facebook but unfollowed after a couple weeks because the negativity far outweighed the positive posts. I'm not saying we can't keep it real, but I also could have used some optimism in there somewhere. The book does have happy endings to each chapter and her humor is good, but it isn't what I needed today I guess.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lady writes just like the best mom friend you wish you had. Her style is conversational and her stories about raising her own kids are funny and relatable. My favorite part is that she lets herself laugh (and cry) about the hard parts of parenting without ever forgetting it's the best job in the world and we all know we're dang lucky to have it.

Sometimes when bloggers write a book, the end result is kind of a disjointed many-blog-posts-pasted-together kind of feel, but Meredith knows how to do it right. I enjoyed reading the entire thing from beginning to end.

[Kimberly Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy for review and I loved this book! Meredith writes the mom book full of funny quips and advice that your best friend would be whispering to you while you're hiding in the closet together, scarfing down the kids' cookies together. Some of it's poignant and totally inspired advice, but most of it is hilarious, make-you-realize-you're-not-alone-and-doing-better-than-you'd-realized encouragement.

Get and read this book - and then recommend it to another mom in the trenches. Because we all need all the camaraderie and support we can get while living the Mom Life.

[Denise Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mom Life: Perfection Pending" is a truly realistic read for all mamas to-be, new moms, and seasoned mothers alike! You will dog ear pages, laugh out loud, connect emotionally, consider this book a close friend, and shout "That's me!" as you read through the pages. This book is ideal for reading groups, book clubs, MOPS groups, shower gifts, and your local library shelves. "Mom Life: Perfection Pending" is a must-have book for touched out, isolated or struggling moms. Join the mom life tribe and celebrate motherhood by buying your copy now!

[Crystal Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest compliment that I can give this book is that it’s real and relatable. It’s like she describes my life exactly. She not only gives humorous anecdotes about life as a mom, but also some really spot on advice. It’s sweet and tender, empowering and encouraging, and downright hilarious. I laughed out loud, nodded in agreement, and even cried. Every mom needs this book in her life. In fact I’ll probably go read it all over again.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Easy read; like you're sitting down with coffee and your best friend. Meredith Ethington understands what it is like to be a mom and has a wonderful way of validating our feelings. This book helps you realize you are not alone and all the insecurities we have about raising our children are put into perspective in a very supportive and heart warming way. I was given this book as a gift and it is now my go-to gift for all moms. Enjoy!

[Sarah Hackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's at turns funny, at turns heartwarming, and always honest. I've read it multiple times, and I still laugh aloud each time I pick it up. I keep finding myself turning to my husband with "No wait, you have to hear this!" on my lips. Highly recommended for all real-life mamas out there.

[Amy Witmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatable and funny

This book is a delightful tale from the trenches of parenthood. I found myself laughing out loud as so many of her stories and anecdotes mirrored my own experiences. If you want to feel like part of a tribe who gets it, this whole crazy parenting journey, this book is for you. Feels like cozying up for a chat with a good friend.

[Anna Wiebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was both funny and touching, heartfelt and silly. Meredith has a way of being relatable that comes through the pages and makes me want to be in her circle of friends.

[Jean Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping it real - and really funny! This perfectly imperfect read isn't just for parents.