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The Mother in Me: Real-World Reflections on Growing Into Motherhood
Motherhood is one of the most transforming experiences of a woman's life- an exhausting, exhilarating, extraordinary journey. This collection of writings speaks to every mother's heart as it celebrates the season of motherhood, illustrating its unique challenges and delights, and revealing its deep significance. Some of the selections are humorous, some thoughtful, some poignant- yet each proves that motherhood matters, "not just in the sentimental ways we talk about on Mother's Day," writes the editor Kathryn Soper, "but in the gritty, lovely, everyday realities of life." The volume speaks frankly about health crises, identity crises, and sanity crises, as well as the fruits of such insight gained, hearts expanded, and faith increased. These shared experiences will make you laugh and cry and want to reach out and hold tightly the little ones in your life.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 26, 2008
Written by a group of smart, articulate and thoughtful women who write for Segullah Magazine and Blog Segullah, The Mother In Me compiles essays and poems whose topics cover pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, birth, the loss of a stillborn (I wept), parenting special needs children, and several on the challenges of being a mother to small children.
I think this book is best read in small doses - first, because each essay has its own feeling and message to experience and second, because after reading multiple essays at a time, the book starts to feel redundant. Smart woman....smart woman sacrifices (time, energy, body, mind)....smart woman resents challenge...smart woman feels grateful for challenge...smart woman better because of challenge.
As someone who considers herself a smart woman (I hope we all do), I can certainly identify with the whole cycle. Motherhood is hard. And yet, motherhood is the absolute best teacher I could have ever hoped for. Every essay chronicles the development of a God-like trait: patience, hope, faith, forgiveness, compassion, and pure pure love. After reading, I'd want to hug my children, read them a story, take them somewhere to teach them something, play hide and seek, cook together. It made every experience that every mother knows is difficult and frustrating to be viewed as a cherished opportunity. I really enjoyed it.
It's only flaw, in my opinion, was that sometimes the essays felt overly essay-ish. It's not like I want the authors to dumb their writing down, because their writing wasn't difficult to read or hard to understand, but sometimes...only sometimes...I felt the superfluous descriptions of leaves, food, weather, etc, etc was added because they were English majors going for the "A" instead of mothers writing for mothers. That's all.
This would be a GREAT book for any young mother, any mother who ever was a young mother, any woman who one day hopes to be a young mother. In other words, this would be a great book to read for any woman. I'm sure some men would even like it too.
Highly recommended.
I think this book is best read in small doses - first, because each essay has its own feeling and message to experience and second, because after reading multiple essays at a time, the book starts to feel redundant. Smart woman....smart woman sacrifices (time, energy, body, mind)....smart woman resents challenge...smart woman feels grateful for challenge...smart woman better because of challenge.
As someone who considers herself a smart woman (I hope we all do), I can certainly identify with the whole cycle. Motherhood is hard. And yet, motherhood is the absolute best teacher I could have ever hoped for. Every essay chronicles the development of a God-like trait: patience, hope, faith, forgiveness, compassion, and pure pure love. After reading, I'd want to hug my children, read them a story, take them somewhere to teach them something, play hide and seek, cook together. It made every experience that every mother knows is difficult and frustrating to be viewed as a cherished opportunity. I really enjoyed it.
It's only flaw, in my opinion, was that sometimes the essays felt overly essay-ish. It's not like I want the authors to dumb their writing down, because their writing wasn't difficult to read or hard to understand, but sometimes...only sometimes...I felt the superfluous descriptions of leaves, food, weather, etc, etc was added because they were English majors going for the "A" instead of mothers writing for mothers. That's all.
This would be a GREAT book for any young mother, any mother who ever was a young mother, any woman who one day hopes to be a young mother. In other words, this would be a great book to read for any woman. I'm sure some men would even like it too.
Highly recommended.
March 5, 2009
I finished this about a month ago and wanted to write a whole long commentary about it. Here's the short version:
I found this book interesting because anyone finds interest in reading about other people in the exact same stage of life as them. I could relate to nearly all the tales. They pulled at all my vulnerable heartstrings. And that was its downfall as well. I realize this book was tailored for and written by a very narrow demographic (young Mormon writer mothers), but I really wish they could have had more diversity in the essay topics, tone, and style. Nearly all the stories read like this: perfectionist writer girl is dreaming of a prestigious career, becomes a mom instead and sends her husband to grad school, then becomes overwhelmed by motherhood, and humbles herself to love her imperfections. Each essay is all tied together as well as any BYU devotional you could find with a lovely extended metaphor. You know the essays are too similar when two concurrent ones begin with the sentence "It was Monday morning"!!
Regardless, I appreciate anyone who tries to write and set their feelings down on paper, and there were a few essays and poems that I dog-eared because I did really like them.
I found this book interesting because anyone finds interest in reading about other people in the exact same stage of life as them. I could relate to nearly all the tales. They pulled at all my vulnerable heartstrings. And that was its downfall as well. I realize this book was tailored for and written by a very narrow demographic (young Mormon writer mothers), but I really wish they could have had more diversity in the essay topics, tone, and style. Nearly all the stories read like this: perfectionist writer girl is dreaming of a prestigious career, becomes a mom instead and sends her husband to grad school, then becomes overwhelmed by motherhood, and humbles herself to love her imperfections. Each essay is all tied together as well as any BYU devotional you could find with a lovely extended metaphor. You know the essays are too similar when two concurrent ones begin with the sentence "It was Monday morning"!!
Regardless, I appreciate anyone who tries to write and set their feelings down on paper, and there were a few essays and poems that I dog-eared because I did really like them.
April 10, 2017
So I can't decide if it was wise for me to read this so soon after giving birth myself. I thought the stories were just beautiful, though some were so sad they scared me. I made the mistake of bringing this to read in public once and ended up just crying in front of people! Guess I'm still a little emotional and hormonal.
The real treat was that the stories were so well-written, the voices strong and calm and easy to read and relate to. And I definitely picked up on some universal motherhood experiences that I can only hope I meet with humor and a positive attitude when it comes to be my turn to experience them. I'm worried that the moral of the story is that those kinds of hopes are inevitably let down, but I'm determined to have them anyway.
I don't think I would recommend this to brand-new moms and certainly not to pregnant women. There are too many scenarios to scare the expecting reader (that is, if you're paranoid about every little thing going wrong, like me). But for women who have a little more distance between themselves and their deliveries, this book is pure gold!
The real treat was that the stories were so well-written, the voices strong and calm and easy to read and relate to. And I definitely picked up on some universal motherhood experiences that I can only hope I meet with humor and a positive attitude when it comes to be my turn to experience them. I'm worried that the moral of the story is that those kinds of hopes are inevitably let down, but I'm determined to have them anyway.
I don't think I would recommend this to brand-new moms and certainly not to pregnant women. There are too many scenarios to scare the expecting reader (that is, if you're paranoid about every little thing going wrong, like me). But for women who have a little more distance between themselves and their deliveries, this book is pure gold!
July 4, 2012
I have wished at times to drop my children in the arms of the next person who tells me to cherish this time when they are young and run away laughing maniacally. Haven't you?
I found in this book the voices of women who understand how I feel, and have no goal other than to express their experience--in as real a voice as possible. They didn't preach, and they were not negative, just real about the challenges of pregnancy and meeting the needs of babies and toddlers.
Not only were they expressing their voices, but each author was crafting: using words to create a picture, an emotion, a work of art. Many times I stopped at one phrase, thrilling at the knowledge that this author had found exactly the right way to say it.
Suddenly, I didn't feel so alone anymore. I know a few mothers like me who could use that feeling. Perhaps I should send them a copy.
I found in this book the voices of women who understand how I feel, and have no goal other than to express their experience--in as real a voice as possible. They didn't preach, and they were not negative, just real about the challenges of pregnancy and meeting the needs of babies and toddlers.
Not only were they expressing their voices, but each author was crafting: using words to create a picture, an emotion, a work of art. Many times I stopped at one phrase, thrilling at the knowledge that this author had found exactly the right way to say it.
Suddenly, I didn't feel so alone anymore. I know a few mothers like me who could use that feeling. Perhaps I should send them a copy.
May 19, 2009
One of my favorite people gave this book to me for mother's day not knowing that we had just had our baby. I didn't think I would have time to read it at first, but nursing is a great time to read. It is a collection of different mother's writing about their experiences of growing into motherhood whether with accounts of being pregnant, miscarrying, adopting, or just the craziness of finding yourself among the business of taking care of children. I loved the stories and was moved by the honesty felt by failures, accomplishments, hopes and dreams that each mother has for herself as a woman and for her family. It was a wonderful read and I think anyone would love reading it.
January 16, 2009
Short stories on motherhood...perfect for the busy mom or mom-to-be because each story is just a couple of pages (or less for the poems). Covers many aspects of motherhood, including adoption, infertility, and miscarriage. I just wish they included more from working mothers...I don't think any of the women worked after having children and working outside the home is an aspect of motherhood for many.
January 30, 2009
I liked the way this book helped me think of what my own essay on motherhood is. The definition of my mothering role and the storyline I thought my own life would take was turned about last year when our fertility doctor gave us .1% chance of having another child on our own. This book has stories from every different angle of motherhood and stories from the good and bad, fertile and infertile, adpoted.. This book has inspired me to actually put my thoughts and my story on paper.
November 1, 2008
I loved some of these essays... there were ones that were 5 stars, but others I didn't connect with as much. I think that's the point with this book- there is something for everyone.
November 10, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a compilation of essays and poems on motherhood. I could so relate to almost all of the essays! I'm not really a poetry fan but there were a couple good poems thrown in along with some that were a little bizarre.
Here is an excerpt from an essay I really enjoyed by Heather Harris Bergevin:
I still have my own questions about being enough. I'm still disabled. I'm still woefully lacking in housekeeping skills. I'm not very good at crafty things, and I refuse to accumulate the hoard of scrapbooking bits necessary to produce professional results. I can barely knit and I'm glad there's no dusting-proficiency test.
Mostly, though, I have no idea how to ensure that my children walk in truth, especially in a changeable world with unchangeable Truth. I don't know how to teach them modesty in the midst of nakedness, etiquette within rudeness, to be in the world but not of the worldly thoughts and gesticulations. I am daily unsure how to show them a rod that is clearly marked, but sometimes dimly lit or hidden by glaring neon signs pointing toward great and spacious surroundings.
But I do know who holds the answers, and I know how to ask the Teacher my questions, not with a raised hand, but with a bowed head.
One idea I took from this book and implements was from an essay by Emily Halverson:
Although my mother had seven little ones to love, she made each of us feel like an indulged, only child. Every night she'd come to my bedside with an hourglass in hand and a smile on her face that told me that for the next blessed while, she was all mine....
Life's sand is ever-flowing, but its supply is not unlimited, for the bottom of the hourglass is quickly full. You cannot stop the flow, but you can learn to notice, to touch, and savor each grain that passes.
I don't own an hourglass but plan to purchase one. Tonight I took my kitchen timer and set it. One by one I pulled each of my children into a quiet corner and we talked about whatever they wanted to talk about. It took just over an hour but what a precious hour it was. They all want another turn tomorrow. I don't know that it is something I will do every night but I plan to do it at least once a week.
Here is an excerpt from an essay I really enjoyed by Heather Harris Bergevin:
I still have my own questions about being enough. I'm still disabled. I'm still woefully lacking in housekeeping skills. I'm not very good at crafty things, and I refuse to accumulate the hoard of scrapbooking bits necessary to produce professional results. I can barely knit and I'm glad there's no dusting-proficiency test.
Mostly, though, I have no idea how to ensure that my children walk in truth, especially in a changeable world with unchangeable Truth. I don't know how to teach them modesty in the midst of nakedness, etiquette within rudeness, to be in the world but not of the worldly thoughts and gesticulations. I am daily unsure how to show them a rod that is clearly marked, but sometimes dimly lit or hidden by glaring neon signs pointing toward great and spacious surroundings.
But I do know who holds the answers, and I know how to ask the Teacher my questions, not with a raised hand, but with a bowed head.
One idea I took from this book and implements was from an essay by Emily Halverson:
Although my mother had seven little ones to love, she made each of us feel like an indulged, only child. Every night she'd come to my bedside with an hourglass in hand and a smile on her face that told me that for the next blessed while, she was all mine....
Life's sand is ever-flowing, but its supply is not unlimited, for the bottom of the hourglass is quickly full. You cannot stop the flow, but you can learn to notice, to touch, and savor each grain that passes.
I don't own an hourglass but plan to purchase one. Tonight I took my kitchen timer and set it. One by one I pulled each of my children into a quiet corner and we talked about whatever they wanted to talk about. It took just over an hour but what a precious hour it was. They all want another turn tomorrow. I don't know that it is something I will do every night but I plan to do it at least once a week.
October 10, 2008
A collection of essays and poems about the process of becoming a mother, and the change of identity that goes along with it.
Ok, first of all a disclaimer: The essays and poems in The Mother in Me were written by women associated with the literary magazine Segullah, and as the Assistant Features Editor, I already had lots of respect for the authors.
But I have lots more now. In the beginning the women of Segullah made me want to be a better writer. Then they made me want to be a better Christian. Now they're making me want to be a better mother. I can't tell you how much I wish someone had put this book in my hands seven years ago, when I had a one-year-old who made me feel like a total failure and I was pregnant and wondering what the heck I was doing bringing another child into the world when I couldn't handle the one I already had. I felt so alone-- I chose to be a SAHM, left a good job and a satisfying academic career in order to do what was best for my kids, and I felt like just about anyone would do a better job of raising this kid than I was doing. I assumed that everyone else had it all together and I was the only one who felt like I couldn't hack it. Now I know I wasn't alone. Every new mom should read this book. Every mom in the trenches should read this book. Every mom who can already breathe a sigh of relief from the intensity of raising babies and preschoolers should read this book (if just to feel grateful that the stage has passed). So basically everyone should read this book. So follow this link (or this one) and buy it. Please. Because one of my essays is going to be included in the upcoming second volume, so I also have a personal stake in hoping this one does well.
Ok, first of all a disclaimer: The essays and poems in The Mother in Me were written by women associated with the literary magazine Segullah, and as the Assistant Features Editor, I already had lots of respect for the authors.
But I have lots more now. In the beginning the women of Segullah made me want to be a better writer. Then they made me want to be a better Christian. Now they're making me want to be a better mother. I can't tell you how much I wish someone had put this book in my hands seven years ago, when I had a one-year-old who made me feel like a total failure and I was pregnant and wondering what the heck I was doing bringing another child into the world when I couldn't handle the one I already had. I felt so alone-- I chose to be a SAHM, left a good job and a satisfying academic career in order to do what was best for my kids, and I felt like just about anyone would do a better job of raising this kid than I was doing. I assumed that everyone else had it all together and I was the only one who felt like I couldn't hack it. Now I know I wasn't alone. Every new mom should read this book. Every mom in the trenches should read this book. Every mom who can already breathe a sigh of relief from the intensity of raising babies and preschoolers should read this book (if just to feel grateful that the stage has passed). So basically everyone should read this book. So follow this link (or this one) and buy it. Please. Because one of my essays is going to be included in the upcoming second volume, so I also have a personal stake in hoping this one does well.
November 13, 2011
I enjoyed these stories, especially the ones I could relate to. But I can always do without the assumption that everyone has or will at some point experience pregnancy. Favorite lines:
"Motherhood, I now know, means continual rounds of beginning" (4).
"Did Eve pause in her purposefulness when she realized the known world of her peaceful garden was now nonexistent, that in choosing family, she chose to become part of the wildness of creation" (10)?
"Is this what it feels like to be a mother? To never have one moment to think about yourself, to be so wrapped up in another's needs that nothing else seems to matter" (51)?
"By embracing the inheritance of Eve's mothering birthright, [we] receive a sacred anonymity: a private, holy grace" (81).
"Service was not something to get to when my [homemaking] was done; my [house]work was a way to serve" (132).
"The prospect of using my time and energy to do something that wouldn't get undone fifteen minutes later enticed me" (135).
"My mothering 'experiments' have led me to discover a small miracle: although the frequency of difficult moments may appear to exceed pleasant ones, the depth of joy experienced can equal and exceed the depth of frustration" (162).
"Woman instinctively wants to give, yet resents giving herself in small pieces . . . giving herself purposelessly. What we fear is not so much that our energy may be leaking away through small outlets as that it may be going 'down the drain'" (217).
"Motherhood, I now know, means continual rounds of beginning" (4).
"Did Eve pause in her purposefulness when she realized the known world of her peaceful garden was now nonexistent, that in choosing family, she chose to become part of the wildness of creation" (10)?
"Is this what it feels like to be a mother? To never have one moment to think about yourself, to be so wrapped up in another's needs that nothing else seems to matter" (51)?
"By embracing the inheritance of Eve's mothering birthright, [we] receive a sacred anonymity: a private, holy grace" (81).
"Service was not something to get to when my [homemaking] was done; my [house]work was a way to serve" (132).
"The prospect of using my time and energy to do something that wouldn't get undone fifteen minutes later enticed me" (135).
"My mothering 'experiments' have led me to discover a small miracle: although the frequency of difficult moments may appear to exceed pleasant ones, the depth of joy experienced can equal and exceed the depth of frustration" (162).
"Woman instinctively wants to give, yet resents giving herself in small pieces . . . giving herself purposelessly. What we fear is not so much that our energy may be leaking away through small outlets as that it may be going 'down the drain'" (217).
June 13, 2009
I loved most of this book. The mothers all wrote from their own personal experiences and there was much that I could relate to. I did feel there was an almost-constant theme of "look at all the sacrifices I made" that almost overwhelmed the smaller, quieter message: "but it was worth it." Some of the essays were very "Me" centered on how hard it is to be a mom, how smart (or talented) they were and how much they had sacrificed for mothering. I would never give this book to a new, young mom because some of the essays are a little too honest about how hopeless and hard mothering is. As a mother of seven under ten, I do "get it." It's exhausting, frustrating, overwhelming work. But the growth that comes is well worth the sacrifice and the positives much outweigh the negatives. I wish that had been a stronger theme throughout the book.
However, there is much here to think about, ponder, and learn from. I was moved to tears many times by the loss some mothers experienced -- infertility, miscarriage, still-birth -- and by the message of other, very wise mothers about the joy in the journey.
However, there is much here to think about, ponder, and learn from. I was moved to tears many times by the loss some mothers experienced -- infertility, miscarriage, still-birth -- and by the message of other, very wise mothers about the joy in the journey.
May 28, 2010
I finished the book, but I wish I was still reading. Sigh. I loved it! It was perfect! I read it slowly so that I could really *take in* each essay or poem. I found myself thinking about most of them even days later. I want to be a better Mom. I want to sneak into my little boy's room right now and snuggle with him in bed and just take everything in - his smell, the sound of his steady breathing, his perfect face, his soft skin. But I also want to do the same while he's awake - just take everything in. All of it! I LOVE being a Mom. It's the best and hardest gift - all at the same time. This book helped me to realize all the things I love about Motherhood, about my little boy, about my future children, and about my sweet, amazing husband.
I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Even those who aren't yet Mother's, and want to be. I know how you feel. There is a story in there for you too. It's a good one. Take it's advice. (In fact, take it's advice NOW! Do it! You won't regret it!)
Thanks, Heather, for giving me this book. I LOVED IT!!! Does anyone want to borrow it? I have a copy.
I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Even those who aren't yet Mother's, and want to be. I know how you feel. There is a story in there for you too. It's a good one. Take it's advice. (In fact, take it's advice NOW! Do it! You won't regret it!)
Thanks, Heather, for giving me this book. I LOVED IT!!! Does anyone want to borrow it? I have a copy.
July 22, 2010
My out of town sister had me get this from the library for her, then I read it afterward. I thought the first two entries (counting the forward) were silly, long and boring, but after that I like most of them. I really liked the third stories (second story as far as numbering goes) about the woman who didn't expect to be a stay at home mom and didn't start out as one, and often felt bad that she didn't hold up to being as good as a prophet's mother. Yes I could relate to all that. I also appreciated the stories from women who said they felt and knew their children before they ever conceived them, and their personalities were not surprising because they already knew their spirit. Neither of my kids have surprised me at all I've always known who they were, the little one's personality might be challenging, but hasn't surprised me. It was also nice to remember, that God is merciful, and has not told to me to have more children than I can handle, or closer than I can handle. It was a nice reminder that children are challenging but can bring joy not misery.
November 24, 2008
I've always enjoyed reading the essays I found on http://segullah.org/blog/ but there's nothing like having a good book to curl up and read over and over again. I think this is a great book for EVERY mother to read, regardless of whether you are LDS or not. It gives you a little peek into the mind of an LDS woman, and helps explain why we do crazy things like have 5 children, lol! The stories will touch your heart. They did mine as I sat nodding with affirmation and understanding, or crying tears of sadness and joy. Yet, you don't feel bad after reading this book, you feel uplifted with each and every story. Our roles as mothers are divinely appointed, and this book touches on that to the core. It touches your spirit as you share in the stories of other women, realizing that they're quite similar to our own. There is something we all share, no matter what our background is. We all have a connection and that is our motherhood.
July 7, 2009
http://themotherinme.com/
Motherhood is complex, yet simple. It is exhausting, yet rewarding. It is heartbreaking, yet joyful. It is life changing and fulfilling.
This collection of poems and essays will leave you full of the joys of mothering but understanding there are days of sorrow. Cry, laugh, nod in agreement, and be grateful you aren’t alone. These stories will bring that to the forefront.
Anyone who has been a mother, who has yet to become one, who is in the throes of day to day parenting, or who has yearned for motherhood through the pain of infertility will find something with which to identify.
Each story is individual, yet global; we can all see ourselves in some, if not most of the essays and poems. Kathryn Lyndard Soper brings them all together in a flowing fashion. The various authors are women in various stages of their lives who share with startling candour what motherhood is really like.
Prepare to enjoy it from start to end.
November 30, 2009
I finished this book a couple of months back and have been selfishly holding onto it instead of returning to Joh. I initially resisted this book because (among other things) a) I am generally suspicious of LDS writing finding it usually too saccharine for my taste and b) I am deeply insecure about my mothering abilities.
Once I picked it up I read it quickly and was enriched by the experience (there, is that too saccharine for you?). Rather than glossing over motherhood in all its dimensions (fertility issues, birth, responsibility, identity crises, etc.), I found the stories refreshing and real. I especially liked the essays "Grace and Glorie" (about adoption), "Giraffes Kiss" (mothering will illness), "The Tree of Life" (about loss) and of course Johanna's "Forty Weeks 'Til Spring". By the end of the book I was a) wishing for a larger gift fund to give a bunch of copies to friends and b) graced with a sweet epiphany about my own mothering capacity.
Once I picked it up I read it quickly and was enriched by the experience (there, is that too saccharine for you?). Rather than glossing over motherhood in all its dimensions (fertility issues, birth, responsibility, identity crises, etc.), I found the stories refreshing and real. I especially liked the essays "Grace and Glorie" (about adoption), "Giraffes Kiss" (mothering will illness), "The Tree of Life" (about loss) and of course Johanna's "Forty Weeks 'Til Spring". By the end of the book I was a) wishing for a larger gift fund to give a bunch of copies to friends and b) graced with a sweet epiphany about my own mothering capacity.
May 26, 2011
This is an absolutely beautiful, touching book. It is an anthology of 43 stories and poems by 29 authors who each belong to the editorial staff of Segullah: Writings by Latter-Day Saint Women. You'd think that because they all work together, they may all have a too-similar flavor in their writing, but not at all. I didn't love every piece of writing, but there were several that really appealed to me. Some of them really made me laugh. Several made me tear up with genuine emotion. One even made me sob. And most of them opened my eyes. What a wonderful variety of stories written in so many ways (poetic and creative, thoughtful, poignant, humorous) about so many sensitively-addressed topics of motherhood (first-time pregnancies, birth, miscarriage and stillbirth, infertility, adoption, children with health issues, saying goodbye to your children on their first day of school). I anticipate reading this book over and over again.
March 23, 2011
This book has been sitting on my dresser for several weeks. I was looking at the "clearance" books at Deseret Book and found it foe $2.99. I vaguely remembered reading about on some websites and thought it was worth picking up. I'm so glad I did. The other day I stuck it in the car figuring that since it was essays, it would be perfect to read when I am waiting to pick up at pre-school or piano lessons. I started reading it today while I was waiting at pre-school, read through baseball practice and finished the last couple essays after the kids were in bed. I loved it. It was the perfect encouragement for the stay at home mom. The essays were honest and real, but encouraging at the same time. There is something so comforting about reading that other mothers struggle with the same things you do. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it really only applies to moms, particularly moms of young children.
June 2, 2011
This is one of the most satisying, beautiful books I have ever read. All of the writing is excellent. As I regretfully end the phase in my life encompassed by this book, I am grateful to feel as though it is somehow preserved through these writings. Each essay resonated so deeply with me and brought back such poignant, detailed memories of the painful, joyful experiences I have had since finding out I was expecting my first baby. I know that whenever I am missing those breathtakingly sweet yet difficult times of raising little children, I can go back to this book as comforting and therapeutic. And for now, it makes me want to live each day with a fuller joy in what my work is right now.
If you are a mother, this book is a must-read / must-own.
I do hope Segullah decides to publish one about the next phase--parenting during the school years!!
If you are a mother, this book is a must-read / must-own.
I do hope Segullah decides to publish one about the next phase--parenting during the school years!!
January 1, 2011
A good collection of essays and poems regarding things that you could potentially face as a young mother. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have any reflections on parenting older children, but overall the book was good. I felt like they could have done without the poems, most of them were so strange that I didn't even begin to try to understand them and simply quickly read over them, thought to myself about how strange they are and then moved on to the next essay. There were many touching stories in there, and I like how they addressed several aspects of motherhood that many women encounter including infertility, still birth, etc... Had quite a few laughs, and it made me feel good to know that I was not alone in several of the things that I have been struggling with my kids.
July 8, 2013
2.5 stars. I wish I'd liked this more. I understand why others liked it so much, but it just wasn't for me. I wasn't a huge fan of the poetry and the essays didn't grab me. I wasn't able to relate to a lot of them, plus I didn't love how flowery some were.
I was expecting the book to feel like a collection of my favorite blog posts on motherhood, but that wasn't the case. Instead it felt like a collection of "okay" blog posts that I'd like when I read them, but that I wouldn't feel compelled to share or read again.
It did compel me to think about what kind of mothering essay I would personally write and I do appreciate it causing that reflection.
With that being said, there were a few essays that I really enjoyed. I guess there's something in there for everyone. I just wish there had been more in it for me.
I was expecting the book to feel like a collection of my favorite blog posts on motherhood, but that wasn't the case. Instead it felt like a collection of "okay" blog posts that I'd like when I read them, but that I wouldn't feel compelled to share or read again.
It did compel me to think about what kind of mothering essay I would personally write and I do appreciate it causing that reflection.
With that being said, there were a few essays that I really enjoyed. I guess there's something in there for everyone. I just wish there had been more in it for me.
June 27, 2009
I liked this book, the stories were very good...but now I am scared. All the stories were about how awful being a mom was and then they found faith and God and blah blah they knew they were doing the right thing and continued on.
I am thinking this book is like all of the marriage books I read before I got married: By the time I was done I thought I would wake up the morning after and magically hate the person I was married to. Nothing could have been further from the truth!! I wish someone (just one person!) would have just told me that marriage was wonderful, instead of "marriage is hard".
So, is motherhood wonderful? Or is it just hard? This time instead of being overly pessimistic I'm being overly optimistic?
I am thinking this book is like all of the marriage books I read before I got married: By the time I was done I thought I would wake up the morning after and magically hate the person I was married to. Nothing could have been further from the truth!! I wish someone (just one person!) would have just told me that marriage was wonderful, instead of "marriage is hard".
So, is motherhood wonderful? Or is it just hard? This time instead of being overly pessimistic I'm being overly optimistic?
November 6, 2009
I have read this book several times; I cannot believe I haven't added it to my list before now! I LOVE this book of essays and poems on "growing into motherhood!" Written by moms who also write for the Segullah magazine/website, this book offers touching and humorous reflections on pregnancy, birth, miscarriage and stillbirth, infertility, raising little ones, watching them grow, and more. I feel like these ladies have given voice to feelings I cannot put into words, and I have also learned much in reading what they have shared. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is a mother! Every time I read this book, I am transcended to a higher plane. Motherhood matters; our role as mothers is divinely important, and our little ones are infinitely precious.
February 15, 2009
One of my favorite things is girls night out! I just love talking to friends and hearing their motherhood stories. Full of well-written short stories by latter-day saint mothers and mothers-to-be, this book was like having a series of very enlightening and touching conversations with your mom friends. I enjoyed them all! I read about moms dealing with toddlers, new babies, infertility, adoption, miscarriage, discipline issues, and insecurities. And each has left me with a significant nugget to ponder on for awhile.
I laughed. I cried. I rejoiced. I nodded in understanding. And, I'm better for it.
I highly recommend this book to all latter-day saint moms and mothers-to-be.
I laughed. I cried. I rejoiced. I nodded in understanding. And, I'm better for it.
I highly recommend this book to all latter-day saint moms and mothers-to-be.
May 15, 2012
Beautifully written essays that cover many topics regarding being a mother of small children. I found myself more inspired by the writing than by the actual words sometimes (if you can even dare to separate them), and some of the essays left me with much to think about. I generally don't like to read books like this because I have a terrible filter when it comes to picking and choosing good ideas - I feel I must try them all and consequently get overwhelmed. And this book gave me a little of that feeling. But overall, I have made some better choices because of this book while I've been reading it. Hopefully those better choices will stick into tomorrow...
May 20, 2012
A collection of personal essays and poems about mothering young children. Each chapter is a different author and I was struck by the thought that all these women (and I) have different backgrounds, different strengths and weaknesses, and different perspectives, but we all have the same job. We all struggle with the job description sometimes and all have experienced tears and laughter in the same moment. None of the poems really spoke to me, and some essays I definitely connected with more than others (I may even suggest skipping the first one), but as a whole, this book helped me find a sisterhood in this tedious but fulfilling job I now have.
January 5, 2016
I loved reading these short essays and poems about being a mother from all different perspectives. I identified with some more than others, but thought they were all beautifully written. They gave real insight into all different aspects of motherhood and revitalized my desire to be a better mom as a realized that other moms aren't perfect either...
Second Read: I liked reading this after just having a baby. Some stories spoke to me more than others, but again I did like the real-ness of the essays that show everyday life for moms.
First read: October 2012
Second Read: I liked reading this after just having a baby. Some stories spoke to me more than others, but again I did like the real-ness of the essays that show everyday life for moms.
First read: October 2012
January 18, 2009
I accidentally confused this book with I am Mother.
I LOVED this book. It may be my crazy hormones talking, but I cried at almost every story. The only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is because the poetry creeped me out. I LOVE the Dickinson/Frost dead white guy type of poetry, but this poetry was all about the blood and milk of the mother and so abstract. Again, could be my crazy hormones talking, but probably not.
Overall, highly reccomend, but if you're like me about poetry, just skip the poems.
I LOVED this book. It may be my crazy hormones talking, but I cried at almost every story. The only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is because the poetry creeped me out. I LOVE the Dickinson/Frost dead white guy type of poetry, but this poetry was all about the blood and milk of the mother and so abstract. Again, could be my crazy hormones talking, but probably not.
Overall, highly reccomend, but if you're like me about poetry, just skip the poems.
February 5, 2010
I really enjoyed these various memoirs about being a mother. There were lots of different perspectives, many of which I could relate to quite a bit. And there was a great sense of companionship in feeling inadequate, unprepared, and/or totally terrified by this career path. But also having faith and courage and endurance.
My complaint: the poetry. Frequently wholly incomprehensible. But I'm not usually a big poetry fan, so there you go.
My favorite essay: "Finding Myself on Google" (by Miner, I think)
My complaint: the poetry. Frequently wholly incomprehensible. But I'm not usually a big poetry fan, so there you go.
My favorite essay: "Finding Myself on Google" (by Miner, I think)
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