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Bad Moms: The Novel
The writers behind the blockbuster hits Bad Moms and A Bad Moms Christmas and the acclaimed author of No Happy Endings join forces in this hilarious novelization of the hit movie franchise.
What happens when a trio of overworked and underappreciated good moms get pushed beyond their limits? They turn bad--ditch the kids, the housework, and their clueless partners with hilarious and heartwarming results.
Based on the popular movies, Bad Moms: The Novel gives fans a new way to enjoy their favorite characters, Amy, Carla, and Kiki, as they smash the Perfect Mom pedestal, take on the grown-up Queen Bees, forge deeper bonds with their kids, get some long overdue respect and recognition, and indulge in a few hours of some crazy fun.
Enriching the chaotic and comedic stories of the films, Bad Moms: The Novel is a sendup of modern motherhood and a celebration of moms gone (temporarily) whack--to good effect.
What happens when a trio of overworked and underappreciated good moms get pushed beyond their limits? They turn bad--ditch the kids, the housework, and their clueless partners with hilarious and heartwarming results.
Based on the popular movies, Bad Moms: The Novel gives fans a new way to enjoy their favorite characters, Amy, Carla, and Kiki, as they smash the Perfect Mom pedestal, take on the grown-up Queen Bees, forge deeper bonds with their kids, get some long overdue respect and recognition, and indulge in a few hours of some crazy fun.
Enriching the chaotic and comedic stories of the films, Bad Moms: The Novel is a sendup of modern motherhood and a celebration of moms gone (temporarily) whack--to good effect.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published April 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 21, 2020
The author was asked to adapt the Bad Moms movie into a book. She did a great job! It was hilarious just like the movie. As I was reading it, I could totally picture the characters (and myself!). What a fun book to read and I highly recommend it for all moms.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for a copy of "Bad Moms" in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for a copy of "Bad Moms" in exchange of an honest review.
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May 3, 2020Funny and entertaining... a delightful distraction from this crazy quarantine. 😜
April 1, 2022
This was hilarious. It is based off the movie Bad Moms and not the other way around but it works. The author said she loved the movie and was then asked to write the novel. Going in you have to know that this is chick lit and if you did not like the movie you will not like this. It is a perfect escape read and it makes me want to see the movie again.
August 25, 2021
If I were still in that stage of life I probably would have given the book 4 stars. But as I’m not it’s a 3 star for me.
May 22, 2020
Just what I needed to escape!
June 15, 2020
This book was awesome. It was a lot like the movie, but had different parts to it. I loved the movie and now I love this book (bring on bad moms Christmas). I liked seeing the schedules. There were many funny quips as well. It was hard not to read the book picturing who was talking, but that gave the book more character, imo. I grew to hate Gwendolyn and Kent more in the book. Those 2 characters were worse in the book. The end was a tad different, but not bad. I liked both endings. The end of the book leaves you feeling good. I don't tend to keep books, but this will be kept. This was an easy, fun read.
May 23, 2020
First, bought it from a local bookstore: thank you Wild Rumpus for shipping books during coronavirus.
Bad Mom was a delight! I saw the movie and loved it. But love the book even more. How cool is it that the writers of the movie asked Nora to convert it to a book? I love that. And the fact that the movie sent Nora herself into labor is such a good full circle, small world moment
It's hard not to picture Mila, Kristen, and Kathryn as she brings their characters off the screen and on paper. When I found out Nora read the audiobook I switched and bought the Audible copy too. Nora has a knack for storytelling; her talent as a writer is evident. It's something in her bloodline...those McInernys... But also, her voice is soothing and one you want to listen to. If you are a fan of her podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking you will love diving into her book reading.
Please do yourself a favor and
1. Buy Bad Moms from a local bookstore (I bought books as gifts from Subtext)
2. Read Bad Moms, not because you want to compare it to the movie (that's just dumb), but with fresh eyes to enjoy a story by Nora
3. Bask in Nora's entertaining fiction
Bad Mom was a delight! I saw the movie and loved it. But love the book even more. How cool is it that the writers of the movie asked Nora to convert it to a book? I love that. And the fact that the movie sent Nora herself into labor is such a good full circle, small world moment
It's hard not to picture Mila, Kristen, and Kathryn as she brings their characters off the screen and on paper. When I found out Nora read the audiobook I switched and bought the Audible copy too. Nora has a knack for storytelling; her talent as a writer is evident. It's something in her bloodline...those McInernys... But also, her voice is soothing and one you want to listen to. If you are a fan of her podcast, Terrible, Thanks for Asking you will love diving into her book reading.
Please do yourself a favor and
1. Buy Bad Moms from a local bookstore (I bought books as gifts from Subtext)
2. Read Bad Moms, not because you want to compare it to the movie (that's just dumb), but with fresh eyes to enjoy a story by Nora
3. Bask in Nora's entertaining fiction
June 4, 2020
This is a light and frivolous 5 star read (listen) for me. I love everything Nora McInerny does and this is no exception. Her voice shines through, but be warned, this is not just the movie In book form.
November 7, 2020
Like the movie a lot, and the novelization is a good expansion to the characters!
January 2, 2024
That was enjoyable, funny, and also really refreshing. I finished the Popsugar 2023 Challenge with this book RIGHT at the stroke of midnight. :)
April 25, 2024
I’m definitely a bad mom and want to watch the movie again immediately.
December 25, 2020
Great work, Nora! I haven’t seen the movie, but I could imagine each character perfectly because of the writing. Super fun read!!
July 30, 2022
I liked this book a lot. It was funny and moved (for the most part) right along. It was 4 stars until the last part when she made a reference to the PTA election about Trump being the losing mom and Hillary being the winning mom. Why did she have to go there???
June 30, 2021
I read this book out of lack of choices while I was temporarily detained in jail for a minor offense. So, out of boredom and not wanting to read any of the many bibles in jail, I opted to read this book. I thought it would be decent. I had seen previews for the movie… which had an all star cast of funny women, and it was written recently (opposed to the Bible). What did I have to lose with nothing but time?
The story line is low effort. I feel like the author went for exceptionally low hanging fruit. This book is basically all about the moms who spend their ‘mommy careers’ simping for PTA awards, and the other side…the alleged “cool” moms. However to me, it was glaringly obvious that the book was written by a quintessential soccer mom. And hey, that’s all fine and dandy if that’s your bag. I understand some moms live and breathe for that aesthetic. I am a mom however and I couldn’t care less about the politics of competitive motherhood as outlined in this book. I feel like the author also has no idea that’s she’s in fact not a “cool” mom because she’s merely describing what she thinks cool moms are.
For example, one character is portrayed to be this rebel bad “b” just because she’s late to school conferences and/or has slept around a little bit. The woman is also an esthetician so she wax’s the V’s of the mom squad and hears about all their husband drama. The author goes out of her way to paint this hilarious picture of what sounds like my worst nightmare, suburban competitive momming. And sloppily detailing both sides of that. Bunch of spoiled rotten women whining around about getting too many emails from the head of the PTA, and whining about their husbands. Who of course bring home the bacon so their wives don’t have to work. Literally their full time job is competing with other moms. The cool moms vs the anal retentive “Karen’s”. That’s basically the entire plot. But she peppers in details about each moms personal life and how their husbands disappoint them constantly.
In fact, that was the other huge disappointment in this book. The author is clearly a man hating feminist. Hey I’m all about my fellow women but my support of women doesn’t mean I feel entitled to bash men, to portray them as these sloppy troglodytes who have no idea how to share house chores and/or care for their kids. I guess the author hasn’t met very many men or something. Plenty of them rock the dad/husband role. Her almost constant belittlement of men is in exceptionally poor taste. If a male author published something with even a fraction of the same kind of stereotypical criticisms they’d be tarred and feathered, and of course…labeled a chauvinist. But hey, welcome to 2021.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the nuance of motherhood. Even more I like comedy designed for other mothers to vibe on. Relatable content. This books is awful. Unless you too are a mom in a suburban school district…then you might enjoy it. But it basically wraps up extremely lazy. Essentially a bonding moment to say that all moms have bad days (duh) all moms can be late (duh)…and that it’s okay sis, you’re still a good mom even if your Instagram feed isn’t just you posing for mom of the year. Then it ends.
The more I read this book the more I despised the characters and the book.
I’m going to be brutal. If you’re a pyramid scheme pushing, instagram tagging, live laugh love type of gal you’d probably enjoy the book. Maybe even relate. As for me, I’m irritated I gave this author 2 days of my attention. This was top three worst books I’ve ever read in my life.
The story line is low effort. I feel like the author went for exceptionally low hanging fruit. This book is basically all about the moms who spend their ‘mommy careers’ simping for PTA awards, and the other side…the alleged “cool” moms. However to me, it was glaringly obvious that the book was written by a quintessential soccer mom. And hey, that’s all fine and dandy if that’s your bag. I understand some moms live and breathe for that aesthetic. I am a mom however and I couldn’t care less about the politics of competitive motherhood as outlined in this book. I feel like the author also has no idea that’s she’s in fact not a “cool” mom because she’s merely describing what she thinks cool moms are.
For example, one character is portrayed to be this rebel bad “b” just because she’s late to school conferences and/or has slept around a little bit. The woman is also an esthetician so she wax’s the V’s of the mom squad and hears about all their husband drama. The author goes out of her way to paint this hilarious picture of what sounds like my worst nightmare, suburban competitive momming. And sloppily detailing both sides of that. Bunch of spoiled rotten women whining around about getting too many emails from the head of the PTA, and whining about their husbands. Who of course bring home the bacon so their wives don’t have to work. Literally their full time job is competing with other moms. The cool moms vs the anal retentive “Karen’s”. That’s basically the entire plot. But she peppers in details about each moms personal life and how their husbands disappoint them constantly.
In fact, that was the other huge disappointment in this book. The author is clearly a man hating feminist. Hey I’m all about my fellow women but my support of women doesn’t mean I feel entitled to bash men, to portray them as these sloppy troglodytes who have no idea how to share house chores and/or care for their kids. I guess the author hasn’t met very many men or something. Plenty of them rock the dad/husband role. Her almost constant belittlement of men is in exceptionally poor taste. If a male author published something with even a fraction of the same kind of stereotypical criticisms they’d be tarred and feathered, and of course…labeled a chauvinist. But hey, welcome to 2021.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the nuance of motherhood. Even more I like comedy designed for other mothers to vibe on. Relatable content. This books is awful. Unless you too are a mom in a suburban school district…then you might enjoy it. But it basically wraps up extremely lazy. Essentially a bonding moment to say that all moms have bad days (duh) all moms can be late (duh)…and that it’s okay sis, you’re still a good mom even if your Instagram feed isn’t just you posing for mom of the year. Then it ends.
The more I read this book the more I despised the characters and the book.
I’m going to be brutal. If you’re a pyramid scheme pushing, instagram tagging, live laugh love type of gal you’d probably enjoy the book. Maybe even relate. As for me, I’m irritated I gave this author 2 days of my attention. This was top three worst books I’ve ever read in my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2020
Didn't see the movie, can't imagine any possibility that it's funnier than this hilarious book. SEQUEL, PLEASE!
September 18, 2020
If you’ve seen the movie Bad Moms, starring Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Katherine Hahn, then you know exactly what to expect going into this book. Nora McInerny took those three characters and expands on the story from the movie. These three women are exhausted and fed up with the expectations to be a “good” mom and are ready to go head to head with the PTA queen bee, Gwendolyn, and prove that there are various ways to parent.
I don’t have a lot to say about this book in all honesty. Like I said, if you’ve seen the movie you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. While I absolutely love Nora McInerny and will tune into any and all of her projects, I’m not sure this book really delivered. This story works much better as a movie, in my opinion. Watching the hijinks play out is a bit more fun than reading them, though I do think Nora did a fabulous job with the characters in this story.
I don’t have a lot to say about this book in all honesty. Like I said, if you’ve seen the movie you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. While I absolutely love Nora McInerny and will tune into any and all of her projects, I’m not sure this book really delivered. This story works much better as a movie, in my opinion. Watching the hijinks play out is a bit more fun than reading them, though I do think Nora did a fabulous job with the characters in this story.
March 24, 2022
I'm giving this 5⋆ just because it's meant to be a fun read.
IMO, when it's a fun read, it's not meant to be taken to the critical minutia that follows.
And another reason (meaning, the REAL reason I gave this 5⋆) is because some jidiot on here said the author was a man-hating feminist. This same jidiot gave the book only 1 or 2⋆.
NOTHING in this book indicated anything except real life for women (save the sexual harassment. And though I know it isn't true to life, I wish the author made more of the women's careers. But even the author's take on that was real. The husband's careers ALWAYS take front seat to the wife's).
The pressure put on women to look good, be great parents, take a back seat to their husbands, keep the house clean, AND not complain that her 'partner' get kudos for something as simple as paying bills or doing a single load of laundry every year is very true also.
My complaint is more about the jidiot reviewer who said the author was a man-hater.
And what if the author was a man-hater?! It doesn't take away from the reality of what's being presented in this book.
It doesn't take away from the reality of what's being presented nor does it take away from the funny.
This same jidiot would claim that it's important to be a well-rounded reader. Reading this book would be a book from a man-hater's POV (which is a very valid POV, I might add). So why give it only 1 or 2⋆ simply because you don't agree with the totality?
It's well-written for the era we live in (the vernacular & topic are up-to-date) and it's bringing us the funny. And that's what the author set out to do.
So THAT'S the reason I gave it 5⋆. I saw myself (though I would NEVER degrade someone for being a man-hater, as I am one myself) in the jidiot. My prob is I was taking this book seriously when it wasn't meant to be serious.
I was going to give this book only 3⋆, but then I read that review and checked myself. Once I did that, I was able to listen to the rest of the audiobook and enjoy myself.
I'm leaving my original review below. I still stand by it ONLY IF the book was meant to be a SERIOUS critique of the modern world we live in. But it's meant to be a humourous critique, and that's what I should have focused on.
Some might tell me I need to get a life. And I wouldn't disagree.
Now, for my embarrassing 1st review of the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The feminazi in me is screaming "make it stop".
I got this because I always look through the Audio Editions booklet I get and circle the CDs I want to get through the MelCat system. This one was one of the ones in humour. Right now in my life, I'm wanting to hear the humour CDs (and don't read anything into this. I abhor when people do that. There was a time where I was only reading true crime. I wasn't wanting to become a serial killer at the time.)
So I'm up to CD 3, I think, and there's a really stupid part about about one's gramma getting her vagina removed.
WTHades?!
Women have terrible experiences with getting ANY sexual part of their body removed or reconstructed.
I don't know about vaginas (which are on the INSIDE of the body. It's often wrongly associated, by morons, with the outside pelvic area) but any alterations of the sexual part of the body causes horrible, life-long issues.
Here's the datapoints:
https://hersfoundation.org/adverse-ef...
To think that someone in the U.S., someone with an upperclass living status, children she birthed, and full access to the internet would believe that a vagina removal is easy-peasy is absolutely ludicrous.
Now I've heard women say dumb things about the female body, but that's the most absolute stupid. Most of the dumb things I heard was pre-Net, so understandable that pics of what one's inside looks like and what each part was called was harder to access.
And to talk about in such a lighthearted, fun tone was silly (I'm listening to the audioversion).
And to say the gramma was A-OK with the procedure because she had her sexual fill prior is even more stupid. That's like someone saying they're OK with getting their kidney removed because they had full use of it while it was working properly!!!!!!!!!! Incredibly irresponsible on the author's part.
Just look up this stuff on the net, people. This nonsense in the media is what causes us women so much hardship. It makes it out like this is no big deal ~but if we're talking about men's reproductive parts, we'd be having such dire convos.
Another thing that bothers me is the caricaturing of stay-at-home mothers.
OK, and now they're talking about diseases of peni. Peyronie's Disease is brought up. I've had a dude with that. ONCE. The penis was very small AND it wasn't a curve. It was a full-out right turn. It was painful. That's why there was no repeat on that.
So hearing these grown adult women talking about peni problems like it's nothing is so irritating.
OK, now the one woman's saying she folds up the penis and shoves it in there?!?!?!?!?! That isn't how that works. I know.
I ONE TIME had to deal with a man with an ultra-small penis. Beside having to hold the condom on (uncomfortable, painful), the penis just kept falling out.
And there have been men that couldn't get fully erect, usually because of too much alcyhol. I couldn't possibly pack it in like that.
The whole convo is forced an unrealistic.
But at least we're talking about the sexual pleasure of women. The sad thing is these women also 'settle' for partial sex.
Now it's getting too sappily-stupid about this grown woman with a full-time job and 2 children wanting a man who asks her these invasive questions. Just too stupid for someone who knows how reality works.
Now misused the word 'vagina' ~when, in fact, the author means 'pelvic area', perinium, or labia. And used the word 'hooha'. When someone uses that word, I deduct numerous points.
IMO, when it's a fun read, it's not meant to be taken to the critical minutia that follows.
And another reason (meaning, the REAL reason I gave this 5⋆) is because some jidiot on here said the author was a man-hating feminist. This same jidiot gave the book only 1 or 2⋆.
NOTHING in this book indicated anything except real life for women (save the sexual harassment. And though I know it isn't true to life, I wish the author made more of the women's careers. But even the author's take on that was real. The husband's careers ALWAYS take front seat to the wife's).
The pressure put on women to look good, be great parents, take a back seat to their husbands, keep the house clean, AND not complain that her 'partner' get kudos for something as simple as paying bills or doing a single load of laundry every year is very true also.
My complaint is more about the jidiot reviewer who said the author was a man-hater.
And what if the author was a man-hater?! It doesn't take away from the reality of what's being presented in this book.
It doesn't take away from the reality of what's being presented nor does it take away from the funny.
This same jidiot would claim that it's important to be a well-rounded reader. Reading this book would be a book from a man-hater's POV (which is a very valid POV, I might add). So why give it only 1 or 2⋆ simply because you don't agree with the totality?
It's well-written for the era we live in (the vernacular & topic are up-to-date) and it's bringing us the funny. And that's what the author set out to do.
So THAT'S the reason I gave it 5⋆. I saw myself (though I would NEVER degrade someone for being a man-hater, as I am one myself) in the jidiot. My prob is I was taking this book seriously when it wasn't meant to be serious.
I was going to give this book only 3⋆, but then I read that review and checked myself. Once I did that, I was able to listen to the rest of the audiobook and enjoy myself.
I'm leaving my original review below. I still stand by it ONLY IF the book was meant to be a SERIOUS critique of the modern world we live in. But it's meant to be a humourous critique, and that's what I should have focused on.
Some might tell me I need to get a life. And I wouldn't disagree.
Now, for my embarrassing 1st review of the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The feminazi in me is screaming "make it stop".
I got this because I always look through the Audio Editions booklet I get and circle the CDs I want to get through the MelCat system. This one was one of the ones in humour. Right now in my life, I'm wanting to hear the humour CDs (and don't read anything into this. I abhor when people do that. There was a time where I was only reading true crime. I wasn't wanting to become a serial killer at the time.)
So I'm up to CD 3, I think, and there's a really stupid part about about one's gramma getting her vagina removed.
WTHades?!
Women have terrible experiences with getting ANY sexual part of their body removed or reconstructed.
I don't know about vaginas (which are on the INSIDE of the body. It's often wrongly associated, by morons, with the outside pelvic area) but any alterations of the sexual part of the body causes horrible, life-long issues.
Here's the datapoints:
https://hersfoundation.org/adverse-ef...
To think that someone in the U.S., someone with an upperclass living status, children she birthed, and full access to the internet would believe that a vagina removal is easy-peasy is absolutely ludicrous.
Now I've heard women say dumb things about the female body, but that's the most absolute stupid. Most of the dumb things I heard was pre-Net, so understandable that pics of what one's inside looks like and what each part was called was harder to access.
And to talk about in such a lighthearted, fun tone was silly (I'm listening to the audioversion).
And to say the gramma was A-OK with the procedure because she had her sexual fill prior is even more stupid. That's like someone saying they're OK with getting their kidney removed because they had full use of it while it was working properly!!!!!!!!!! Incredibly irresponsible on the author's part.
Just look up this stuff on the net, people. This nonsense in the media is what causes us women so much hardship. It makes it out like this is no big deal ~but if we're talking about men's reproductive parts, we'd be having such dire convos.
Another thing that bothers me is the caricaturing of stay-at-home mothers.
OK, and now they're talking about diseases of peni. Peyronie's Disease is brought up. I've had a dude with that. ONCE. The penis was very small AND it wasn't a curve. It was a full-out right turn. It was painful. That's why there was no repeat on that.
So hearing these grown adult women talking about peni problems like it's nothing is so irritating.
OK, now the one woman's saying she folds up the penis and shoves it in there?!?!?!?!?! That isn't how that works. I know.
I ONE TIME had to deal with a man with an ultra-small penis. Beside having to hold the condom on (uncomfortable, painful), the penis just kept falling out.
And there have been men that couldn't get fully erect, usually because of too much alcyhol. I couldn't possibly pack it in like that.
The whole convo is forced an unrealistic.
But at least we're talking about the sexual pleasure of women. The sad thing is these women also 'settle' for partial sex.
Now it's getting too sappily-stupid about this grown woman with a full-time job and 2 children wanting a man who asks her these invasive questions. Just too stupid for someone who knows how reality works.
Now misused the word 'vagina' ~when, in fact, the author means 'pelvic area', perinium, or labia. And used the word 'hooha'. When someone uses that word, I deduct numerous points.
May 12, 2020
I am not normally the “novel based on the hit movie” type, but it’s Nora McInerny. 🤷♀️
May 18, 2020
I was not a fan. I know it's all about 'mom forgiveness' but I didn't like the characters.
January 18, 2023
Follow me on Instagram @alexlivesathousandlives.
Title: Bad Moms
Author: Nora McInerny
Movie Written: Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
Format: physical
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One Line Synopsis: Three moms debug the perfection of motherhood.
Favorite Quote:
"I didn't have anything to own up to or apologize for. I wasn't a bad mom. I'm not a bad mom. And neither are these moms. I'm a normal mom. I'm just a mom."
📌Review
Bad Moms, originally a movie now made into a book, is a wild ride that makes you laugh if reading in public or alone, **husbands you have been warned**.
Amy, Kiki, and Carla are moms a part of McKinley PTA. When Amy decides to go against the PTA perfect mom, Gwendolyn, for PTA president, the pressure of being a perfect mom no longer exists as friendships form between the mothers.
The book and the movie itself is a parody on the idea of being the perfect mother and the pressure that society puts on women to fit that stereotype. The authors did a fantastic job at poking fun at the stereotype while suggesting that no one could ever be the perfect mom or wife and we all just do the best we can. As a mother myself, it was a nice reminder reading something like this while laughing every few pages.
The characters are really hard not to love as each portrays a different role in motherhood. I will say be prepared for a slower plot development because of the character development. However, the different povs keep you engaged making the plot fast paced.
What stereotypes do you battle as a mom? How do you overcome them? Let's chat in the comments from one mom to another! ✌️
Title: Bad Moms
Author: Nora McInerny
Movie Written: Jon Lucas and Scott Moore
Format: physical
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One Line Synopsis: Three moms debug the perfection of motherhood.
Favorite Quote:
"I didn't have anything to own up to or apologize for. I wasn't a bad mom. I'm not a bad mom. And neither are these moms. I'm a normal mom. I'm just a mom."
📌Review
Bad Moms, originally a movie now made into a book, is a wild ride that makes you laugh if reading in public or alone, **husbands you have been warned**.
Amy, Kiki, and Carla are moms a part of McKinley PTA. When Amy decides to go against the PTA perfect mom, Gwendolyn, for PTA president, the pressure of being a perfect mom no longer exists as friendships form between the mothers.
The book and the movie itself is a parody on the idea of being the perfect mother and the pressure that society puts on women to fit that stereotype. The authors did a fantastic job at poking fun at the stereotype while suggesting that no one could ever be the perfect mom or wife and we all just do the best we can. As a mother myself, it was a nice reminder reading something like this while laughing every few pages.
The characters are really hard not to love as each portrays a different role in motherhood. I will say be prepared for a slower plot development because of the character development. However, the different povs keep you engaged making the plot fast paced.
What stereotypes do you battle as a mom? How do you overcome them? Let's chat in the comments from one mom to another! ✌️
December 16, 2020
I was a little hesitant to read this book, not knowing exactly what to expect. What I found were moms I could identify with and a fairly accurate rendering of the ridiculous expectations we hold for ourselves. Or I should say, the expectations that culture makes us believe we need to meet (thanks social media).
This book was so incredibly refreshing and my gosh the relief it brought that it’s ok to be a bad mom sometimes! As the book basically comes to say, we’re all bad moms because it’s impossible to be a good mom. In our culture I think that’s entirely true. We’re all normal. And that is perfectly ok - especially when it means you get to keep your sanity.
Nora McInerny is a author I really love. I can identify with her so much as my life has had very similar arcs to her own. That being said, I wasn’t sure how this book would hold up to her usual writing. This is in some ways a big departure from her very personal open style. I was not disappointed.
This book felt realistic and it was hilarious. I’m already planning on reading this again because it put me in such a great mood! Between the humor and the relief, that I’m not the only crazy mom out there, it was just want I needed.
So, if you’re a mom, have a mom, are considering being a mom, or know a mom, read this book. Get a little insight into today’s motherhood.
This book was so incredibly refreshing and my gosh the relief it brought that it’s ok to be a bad mom sometimes! As the book basically comes to say, we’re all bad moms because it’s impossible to be a good mom. In our culture I think that’s entirely true. We’re all normal. And that is perfectly ok - especially when it means you get to keep your sanity.
Nora McInerny is a author I really love. I can identify with her so much as my life has had very similar arcs to her own. That being said, I wasn’t sure how this book would hold up to her usual writing. This is in some ways a big departure from her very personal open style. I was not disappointed.
This book felt realistic and it was hilarious. I’m already planning on reading this again because it put me in such a great mood! Between the humor and the relief, that I’m not the only crazy mom out there, it was just want I needed.
So, if you’re a mom, have a mom, are considering being a mom, or know a mom, read this book. Get a little insight into today’s motherhood.
April 10, 2021
Am I allowed to give five stars to a book that was literally just the written version of a movie? Don't care. That is exactly what's happening here.
I need to begin by saying that I am not a mom.
That said, even though I am not a mom, I loved the Bad Moms movie, and the book - of course - was EVEN BETTER. Since the movie came first, the book followed it exactly point for point. But by nature of it being a book, it flushed things out more and focused on deepening all of the characters. In particular, I fell in love with Carla and Kiki in the book. (They were hilarious in the movie, if a bit one dimensional.) I liked that they got some additional depth, and we explored their history and relationships more. It made the trio of them that much more powerful.
Overall, this book was so much FUN, and I honestly enjoyed the entire thing. It had a lot of HEART and a lot of TRUTH. (Even though I am not a mom, a lot still resonated.) I could gush about it for a while and not even notice because it was just that good. It felt uplifting, and it was exactly what I needed.
I need to begin by saying that I am not a mom.
That said, even though I am not a mom, I loved the Bad Moms movie, and the book - of course - was EVEN BETTER. Since the movie came first, the book followed it exactly point for point. But by nature of it being a book, it flushed things out more and focused on deepening all of the characters. In particular, I fell in love with Carla and Kiki in the book. (They were hilarious in the movie, if a bit one dimensional.) I liked that they got some additional depth, and we explored their history and relationships more. It made the trio of them that much more powerful.
Overall, this book was so much FUN, and I honestly enjoyed the entire thing. It had a lot of HEART and a lot of TRUTH. (Even though I am not a mom, a lot still resonated.) I could gush about it for a while and not even notice because it was just that good. It felt uplifting, and it was exactly what I needed.
October 7, 2021
I thought this was a really well written companion to the movie in that it was true to the spirit of the story and the author captured the voices of our three protagonists and the sickly sweet Super Mom in the PTA.
Amy is a perfectionist who single-handedly raises her two kids, cares for her idiotic husband and manages her incompetent boss all while being expected to volunteer at school every day.
Carla works at a spa, and her son, Jaxon, loves baseball. She’s hot, she’s crass and as far as she is concerned, Arby’s and Mountain Dew are sufficient breakfast.
Kiki has four kids under the age of five and her work never ends as her husband, Kent, can’t seem to see that she is in constant need for adult connection and a nap.
They all feel like “bad moms”
My favorite thing about books like this is that it gives us just a little bit more than what we see on screen—and still has me laughing out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved the movie of the same title or to anyone who at any point in their lives felt like a bad mom/parent/spouse/person.
Amy is a perfectionist who single-handedly raises her two kids, cares for her idiotic husband and manages her incompetent boss all while being expected to volunteer at school every day.
Carla works at a spa, and her son, Jaxon, loves baseball. She’s hot, she’s crass and as far as she is concerned, Arby’s and Mountain Dew are sufficient breakfast.
Kiki has four kids under the age of five and her work never ends as her husband, Kent, can’t seem to see that she is in constant need for adult connection and a nap.
They all feel like “bad moms”
My favorite thing about books like this is that it gives us just a little bit more than what we see on screen—and still has me laughing out loud. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved the movie of the same title or to anyone who at any point in their lives felt like a bad mom/parent/spouse/person.
November 7, 2021
Bad Moms: The Novel is based on the movie that we all watched in 2016. The characters are the same; the plot is the same, but we get to go deeper into the thoughts and feelings of the characters that we all love. My book club selected this book to read for September and I was a little surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I remember enjoying the movie, but it was so long ago, that I forgot many plot points. I could see a little of myself in all three characters. And frankly, both Kiki and Amy had horrible husbands that took them for granted. Not to mention controlling. But, what is worse is that neither of them really stood up for themselves. It made me sad. One thing is clear, though. None of these women are "bad moms." They are just trying to survive and get their children to adulthood with as little damage as possible. But as soon as I finished the book, I wanted to watch the Christmas movie. I hope they do more movies and/or books. It does the world good to recognize that buying grocery store baked goods does not make you a "bad mom."
October 28, 2022
Loved how this talked about things like the different types of moms, throwbacks to Delia catalogs, JTT, AOL CDs, etc!
Notable lines:
“Once, Jesse was wearing his daughter’s Frozen backpack at drop-off, and the moms lost their shit over her two perfect French braids . . . I don’t see them tripping all over each other like ‘Jennifer, that braid! Amanda, you packed a lunch!’”
“ . . . for convincing every mom we know that birthday parties need to be themed and decorated as if the party is going to be photographed by Vogue, how crappy it feels when stay-at-home moms tell me that they can’t imagine being away from their kids every day, and how shitty it feels for Kiki when working moms treat her like she’s an idiot just because she spends her days with her kids.”
“I forgot that I may have been the last generation to be raised with secrets; Jane and her friends broadcast their feelings and insecurities on social media.”
August 31, 2020
A novelization of the film "Bad Moms" about a fed up trio of moms who stage a revolt against the PTA leader of their children's school. Normally, I think novelizations of movies aren't very good, but this one is even better than the movie. I think this has everything to do with the fact that it is written by Nora McInerny, author and host of the popular podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking." She fleshes out the characters and gives them more depth. This makes it a much more compelling story rather than the purely silly, raunchy romp that is the movie. I thought the movie was funny, the book is just as funny and makes you really care about the characters. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, read by the author. It is very well done. Overall, a fun story that improves upon the original.
September 9, 2021
If I could rate this higher than 5 I would jump at the chance. I love Nora McInerny’s writing! The book was captivating and held so many truths of momhood! I felt myself smiling so hard my cheeks hurt! I cannot tell you how many times I stepped away from this book because of mom duties and felt myself smiling and laughing from what McInerny wrote. It was a fun and quick read. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to ever end. While reading up on the friendship of Kiki, Amy, and Carla I almost felt like I was an unofficial fourth member of their friendship. I am hoping that if they turn the Bad Moms Christmas movie as a novel adaptation that they get Nora McInerny to write it. If you haven’t read it— read it! Especially if you’re a bad mom
November 13, 2022
I first heard about Nora McInerny from one of the podcasts that I followed. Her personal story and how she created a space for people to share their stories of grief and loss were intriguing. I thought it was interesting that this book was “adapted” from the movie and not the other way around. This is definitely a fantasy for moms in a world ruled by Judeo-Christian values, like a moms’ version of the Inglourious Basterds. I see how the exaggeration of stereotypes serves a purpose in the plot but couldn’t agree with some of the depictions, especially those of the single moms. But what the heck, it wasn’t meant to be a serious book on social studies. Overall I liked the book as a fun, relaxing read.
August 25, 2023
I was looking for something light and funny and entertaining to read while on vacation. And in that way, this book delivered. It was funny and perfect to read while lounging by a pool, because it is also the book that you don't mind getting water and sunscreen on because it will never be reread.
The first half was fast and hilarious and the author's nailed the mom-types. But then the book became a bit too over the top, with the evil villain being just a bit too evil? I suppose I enjoyed the character's, but I didn't need a bit, crazy plot to keep me going. If anything, it just distracted from the enjoyment.
So in summary, nothing to write home about, but good distraction when your mind just needs a rest.
The first half was fast and hilarious and the author's nailed the mom-types. But then the book became a bit too over the top, with the evil villain being just a bit too evil? I suppose I enjoyed the character's, but I didn't need a bit, crazy plot to keep me going. If anything, it just distracted from the enjoyment.
So in summary, nothing to write home about, but good distraction when your mind just needs a rest.
January 1, 2024
Nora, I’ve been a huge fan of yours since i started following your blog when your husband (and mine) were dying of a brain tumor. Your books on widowhood have been my saving grace and when i finally read Bad Moms, i was blown away and recognized your unforgettable humor and smarts throughout this book! This book is soooo funny and has so many parts that resonate with people. I am a retired teacher and you gave the characters so many relatable and hilarious characteristics. My (new) husband kept saying, ‘what are you chuckling about’—especially during the end of your book. Bravo, girl! This book is fantastic!
(Also, i met you in Grand Rapids and took a pic with you which was a highlight in my ordinary but great life.) i know, I’m kinda an embarrassing fan girl!
(Also, i met you in Grand Rapids and took a pic with you which was a highlight in my ordinary but great life.) i know, I’m kinda an embarrassing fan girl!
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