Mom Babble: The Messy Truth about Motherhood

by Mary Katherine Backstrom, Meredith Masony (Foreword)

Featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show sharing her "Holiday Magic" viral video.

Hope, humor, and spiritual inspiration to families in the trenches of parenthood from the founder of Mom Babble.

Mary Katherine Backstrom spends her days mending booboos, conquering the boogie man, comforting heartaches, laughing at knock-knock jokes, cooking pancakes, throwing baseballs, and mopping muddy floors. In other words she spends her days relishing in the beautiful, constant noise that is a life with children.

In Mom Babble Mary Katherine (MK) Backstrom, founder and personality behind the Mom Babble online community, offers up hope, humor, and spiritual inspiration to families in the trenches of parenthood. With laughter, crying, and eye-rolls MK's, oh so, real essays about raising littles will delight all the not perfect, not always holy, not completely normal, messy, honest and wonderful moms that read them. MK's conversational approach connects with readers like dear friends cozied up on a coffee date.

Praise for Mary Katherine Backstrom

"I love how honest and relatable Mary Katherine is in her writing. When an author is raw, it is easy to make a connection to their work."

- Meredith Masony, Founder of That's Inappropriate

"One of Facebook's funniest parents!"
- Today Show Parenting Team

"Mary Katherine brings love, wisdom, compassion, humor, and insight to her writing that is a must read for every parent."
- Love What Matters

"I have probably read more parenting essays than anyone on the planet, and Mary Katherine's voice still surprises me. I laugh out loud, cry, and recall the magic of being a mother in those fresh early years. She is a friend to the struggling moms in the trenches of motherhood."
- Jill Smokler, Founder of Scary Mommy and New York Times Best-selling author

"Thank you for cracking us up."
- Today with Hoda & Jenna

Product Features:

Features funny and relatable personal essays. Expands on Backstrom's already popular Mom Babble community posts and stories. Includes a forward by Meredith Masony, founder of That's Inappropriate and That's Inappropriate Parents online communities with nearly 1 million followers across multiple channels. 4-color photographs throughout. Grain embossed hardcover with ribbon.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Audiobook

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2020

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a first time mom to a now 15 month old, I was looking forward to reading someone else’s messy truths about parenting. There are some great essays here, full of warm honesty and humour. However, for me, it was a bit too spiritual and the essays didn’t dig quite deep enough.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is full of funny tales by a mummy which all have a lifes lesson within them from one mummys journey into motherhood. Some pages are very relatable and make you feel like your not alone in your journey into motherhood.
As a mother of 2 children I found this book refreshing and relateable.
This lady is very brave and it was lively to share in her journey and spiritual path.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you laugh, cry, then let out that sigh of relief when you realize you aren’t alone in this crazy game called parenting. The joys of parenthood along with the fears and real life troubles are captured perfectly in this book. Mary Katharine has a unique way of writing that makes you feel as though she is sitting right beside you telling the story. This book receives an A+ and “automatic baby shower gift to all of my friends” rating from me!

[Kayleigh Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOM BABBLE Pub: Abingdon Press 7th April 2020

This book offers an account of a Christian mother of 2 and is well placed within the Mummy genre; it is a more conservative take on some of the peaks and pits of motherhood and offers some very relatable moments.

I enjoyed the author’s honesty in describing the kind of parent that she thought she would be (I look back at that version of myself and laugh too) and her reflections about parenting being the process of raising a small child, just to let them go out into the world as adults. The emotion behind her words is clear and conveys the dichotomy of being completely in love with her children, but completely torn apart by the tougher days of parenting. In the age of the Insta-Mum, this is refreshing and reassuring to hear.

I loved the way the author speaks about her motivation as a parent: to raise children who are better than we are (as parents), in order to leave a positive legacy on this earth. I thought that beautifully encapsulates our efforts as care-givers, but also our responsibility too.

My only criticism of the book is that I wanted to know more; some of the chapters would benefit from more depth and detail. The author makes references to her faith, but doesn’t explore how this has shaped her parenting or her own recovery of self. It would be interesting to hear her reflections on how becoming a parent for the second time impacted her (more? differently? at all?) and perhaps too how she has carved out her own balance between all the different roles that she occupies in her life.

On a final note, I loved that the book is written in support of the Mighty Acorn Foundation; the opportunity for this book to do good beyond its printed words is a lovely touch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mom Babble: A Messy Truth About Motherhood” by Mary Katherine Backstrom is a funny, yet inspiring read for any parent (not just moms)!

Each chapter of this book is an essay about the author’s personal parenting experiences. Author, Mary Katherine Backstrom, has a hilarious way of describing her relatable parenting fails. I found myself mentally saying “right there with ya” while reading most of these essays. This book will make you feel less alone and inspire you to move on from your “fails” and enjoy your babies no matter how hard the day was.

Mom Babble is Mary Katherine Backstrom’s blog and if you read her blog or follow her on Facebook you would’ve already read about half of these essays, so you might not be reading any new information. With that said, I consider this a coffee table book that is beautiful to look at and easy to pick an essay to read when you need a pick-me-up after a rough day.


Read my full review here: https://christycatchats.blogspot.com/...

[Kayla Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be called Mom Babble: this book will help you get through motherhood. I love all of the stories and lessons that were in here. Mom Babble: The Messy Truth About Motherhood is the perfect book to sit down and read in one weekend or for someone who only has time to read a few pages a week. There are stories in here that can help moms on those bad days or even days they just need little reminders of how wonderful motherhood is to experience. MK does a wonderful job telling stories that will make you laugh, cry, and cling on to memories of motherhood.

[Books N Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heartwarming and honest with so much laughter built in. MK shares her real-life stories and thoughts on motherhood. She will make you laugh, cry and know you are not alone. This is the warm hug every parent needs when they are in the thick of it. No matter what stage of motherhood you are in, you can and will relate to and benefit from this amazing book. MK put all the emotions of motherhood in one book and did it in a way every parent can relate to. This book will make the perfect gift for every new mom!

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky enough to get an early release copy! A must read for all moms and even dads, too! This mom blogger turned book author has been a favorite of mine for many years and her stories are a mixture of laugh out loud and heartwarming real life stories and lessons from a mom of two beautiful kiddos. A pretty quick read for those of us that don't always have the time to devote to reading huge books these days. I give it 5 stars for all the emotions this well written book made me feel. I am definitely a lifelong fan who will read anything Mary Katherine writes!

[CJ Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book is amazing! I was lucky enough to be chosen to be apart of the launch team for this book. MK is an amazing mother, writer, cancer survivor, who tells you all the joyful and not so joyful moments in motherhood. You can connect to many of these stories. At least one point or another in your time of being a mommy. I recommend this book to all!! Even Daddy's!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the author for a while. I love her social media channels and have actually read a lot of these essays before. I love her down-to-earth, real mom stories. She gets it and makes you feel less alone. She isn't worried about being perfect or politically correct, she's just a good mom who shares her experience.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pick me up book for anyone having self doubt as a parent or a mum.

[Monica Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray for MK! Y’all, I finished reading this entire book in just a few short hours because it flows so satisfactorily from one essay to the next.
As a mother of 3 beautiful daughters-one slightly feral-I found myself reminded of truths I already live by and enlightened and encouraged by others.
The imagery MK creates with her words is phenomenal! One essay has you in tears, while the next has you laughing out loud! And it is all stitched together like a quilt made lovingly by a skilled quilters hands. Once you start reading, it is very hard to stop in order to handle things, such as work and, well, life in general.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 surprising stars! I thought I’d dislike this. I thought it would be a preachy, chirpy collection of religious podcasts. I was so wrong. It was kind and relatable. It made me remember my younger mommy-ing years. It outright made me guffaw and laugh loudly as I drove and listened to the audiobook. Recommended for all mamas.

[Jessica Bogue_Cucchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw a video on Facebook and it was hilarious. This is an honest look at motherhood, the good and bad of it all. The honesty is guaranteed to make even the biggest cynic smile. A refreshing look into the motherhood no one wants to talk about, letting us all know how real it is. You are guaranteed to relate.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom Babble: The Messy Truth about Motherhood is basically a Chicken Soup for the Soul-style book. It is a cross-section of every angle—the good, the bad, the beautiful—of parenting. The book covers the first five years of the author's parenting journey.

There was one passage from the book I loved. It was about the challenges of raising a son who has a ton of personality and energy. The author said, "I spend all day clashing with his strong will, iron against iron until the sun goes down. Then I go to bed feeling like a worn-down nub of a human being. So many of our interactions are composed of frustration and noise. I establish a boundary. He crashes straight through it. We are in a constant tug-of-war for power. And most of the time, if I'm being honest, he's winning." I absolutely love that and can relate because I have boys of my own.

I think the book itself is very special and with all the great tips and advice, I think it's going to help parents feel less alone. All the proceeds from this book go to the charity, The Mighty Acorn Foundation.

To listen to the interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/mar...

[Jamie Riffle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!! It gave me all the feels! Mary Katherine is an amazing writer and story teller that makes you feel so connected to her. A must read for mothers.

[Jacqueline Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I know MK from our college days and she hasn’t changed a bit in the sense that she is real, honest, funny, and has the biggest heart! As a mom of twins, times can get stressful and overwhelming, as it can for any parent, and MK’s book is a wonderful escape that reminds us we are not alone and we are doing a good job. I found myself laughing and a few times crying from the sweet sentiments in the short essays. It has reminded me to give myself a break and enjoy the moments, tense or carefree, all the same.

If you are looking for short, quick essays that make you feel like you’re not alone, I highly recommend Mom Babble!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that will make you laugh, cry, and have warm fuzzies from start to finish. Mary Katherine's writing is raw, honest, and unapologetically authentic. She isn't afraid to say what she thinks and let's be honest...she says what is on all our minds. As a mom of (3) and the parent of a special needs child; I felt heard. I felt like I could relate to every essay in this book. I can't wait to read it again!

[Kristin Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom Babbles is the book that literally keeps on giving!! Mary Katherine Backstrom wrote a masterpiece and if you do not read it, you will never know that you aren’t alone in motherhood, you aren’t alone in making mistakes, and all of us are one, “Mommy!!!” away from a meltdown.She was suffering through postpartum depression after her first born and decided to turn to mommy blogs. It wasn’t long before she started her own, and then began doing Facebook videos. She went viral with a post about being kind during the holidays, and made an appearance on Ellen. It was her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and down right honesty that made me check her page daily for new posts. Then, she announced she had written a book, and I was lucky enough to be able to read an advanced copy. I received the book and within hours I was captivated. I could hear her laugh as I read her words, and she served herself and her readers a nice big piece of humble pie. I read her book while doing laundry, eating lunch, sitting in the dreadful pick up line at the school, and I could NOT put it down. These are not just funny stories, they are relatable lessons, friendly advice, and gives us the satisfaction of knowing as a mom we aren’t alone. She doesn’t sugar coat anything, which, frankly, is quite refreshing. Through her words, she encourages you to be yourself and STOP trying to please those perfect mommies out there that never make a mistake. The same week that I got her book I was going through a really tough time with my youngest child. I won’t go into details, but as a mom I felt that I had failed my child as well as myself. I’m not real big on the whole, “Things happen for a reason.” However, this book came at the perfect time in my life and allowed me to laugh, cry (which I really needed... you know that “pretty ugly cry” the one that you would never want anyone else to witness, but it cleanses your soul) , and laugh some more. I know she didn’t write this book for me, but in reading it, I felt like she was giving me one of her “mommy” waves, and saying, “ Kristin, you’re doing great mama!” I hope you will treat yourself to the masterpiece of wit, banter, advice, “mommy” waves, and belly aching laughter known as, “Mom Babbles.” Trust me it’s the book you never knew you needed, but once you have it, don’t know how you ever would have made it without it. Thanks Mary Katherine, for not only proving those mean girls in your senior class WRONG , and giving us all a , “How do you like me NOW?” moment, but getting me through one of the toughest weeks of my life through your own mom babbles!

[Kayleigh Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an account of a Christian mother of 2 and is well placed within the Mummy genre; it is a more conservative take on some of the peaks and pits of motherhood and offers some very relatable moments.

I enjoyed the author’s honesty in describing the kind of parent that she thought she would be (I look back at that version of myself and laugh too) and her reflections about parenting being the process of raising a small child, just to let them go out into the world as adults. The emotion behind her words is clear and conveys the dichotomy of being completely in love with her children, but completely torn apart by the tougher days of parenting. In the age of the Insta-Mum, this is refreshing and reassuring to hear.

I loved the way the author speaks about her motivation as a parent: to raise children who are better than we are (as parents), in order to leave a positive legacy on this earth. I thought that beautifully encapsulates our efforts as care-givers, but also our responsibility too.

My only criticism of the book is that I wanted to know more; some of the chapters would benefit from more depth and detail. The author makes references to her faith, but doesn’t explore how this has shaped her parenting or her own recovery of self. It would be interesting to hear her reflections on how becoming a parent for the second time impacted her (more? differently? at all?) and perhaps too how she has carved out her own balance between all the different roles that she occupies in her life.

On a final note, I loved that the book is written in support of the Mighty Acorn Foundation; the opportunity for this book to do good beyond its printed words is a lovely touch.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise DePuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MK is one of the funniest friends (and I call her that because she personalizes herself to her audiences),that I have ever known. Smart and witty, fresh and revitalizing to this crazy world we live. even before the pandemic she just throws herself out there into this place we all call home and make some kind of GOD fearing love out of it all. I for some reason only usually remember bits and pieces of books or conversations, Ive been that way my whole life. For instance, cant place names with people, or places by association. Well you get it, But the minute MK post something or starts to talk about some random topic, I can scream out I know that story its from, your book "Mom babble" For some reason Its like playing "Beat the clock" or "Password" for those who are old enough to remember those game shows. I love the way she open about mental health and transparent about her well being. Because, well, because, most of us are right there standing beside her not knowing what to do next. She is direct as those traffic cops telling us to take the detour, because the other road is under repair right now. So thank you. MK you deserve all my love and the love of the rest of us.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a mom in the trenches of motherhood- especially if you have little kids- it can sometimes feel like you are completely alone. Even if you have lots of friends with kids, motherhood is still isolating, because no one is going through the things you're going through at exactly the same time or pace! Kids move at their own speed and do things in their own time, and only once you're out of the "little kids" stage do you fully understand this. Mom Babble is the friend you need. Mary Katherine Backstrom has a way with words that will feel like a repeating chorus of "oh my gosh- me too!". What I love about this book is that it was written "essay style" so you can literally pick it up at any moment (even if it's just two minutes while hiding in the bathroom... don't deny, we all do it) and get a breath of fresh air. MK's candor and humor make the book relatable and entertaining. Don't pass it up!
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided.)

[Lyndsey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! For all the mom's out there that have wondered if they are doing the motherhood thing correctly. This book is for you. While reading, I laughed with the writer and cried with the writer. Mary Katherine Backstrom shares feelings and thoughts that all mothers have but are sometimes afraid to share. While sharing her experiences about motherhood, she reminds the reader at home that they are not alone on their journey. Being a mom is hard but it is also one of God's biggest blessing. The writer uses those experiences to teach lifelong lessons and remind us during those hard times to cherish the moment as they are fleeting as our kids age. Taking us through the pregnancy journey to postpartum depression to child rearing, we can feel her joy and anguish. Outstanding storytelling. Be sure to read this incredible book.

[Melissa Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom Babble: The Messy Truth About Motherhood is a gem for all mamas in every season of motherhood. Mary Katherine Backstrom’s writing is authentic, honest and at times, downright hilarious. So often I found myself laughing out loud and nodding my head in affirmation of the shared experiences. MK’s gift to this book is the vulnerability she writes with; truly, that’s what I loved the most about it. I connected instantly the the Wild at Heart Kids chapter at the beginning of the book. I swear she could have written that chapter about my own child and as the chapter concluded, I sat with tears streaming down my face. That’s what the whole book is like: one relatable story or nugget of wisdom after another. Motherhood: it’s messy, it’s hard and it’s the most wonderful thing in the world. I highly recommend!!

[Ivana Popovac]

If you want to laugh a little, cry a little, say "OMG I relate to this!" a LOT, and just have a fun, light-hearted, genuine book to read, this is it. Mary Katherine Backstrom is a mom of 2, a loving soul with an infectious laugh and a smile that lights up a room, who has a way with words that few can say they can match. Her book is a collection of funny, sad, inspiring, uplifting, and sometimes motherhood-gory stories that every mom can identify with.

If you are looking for something to read, something to lift your spirits, and something to truly enjoy, this is the book for you. It is such an easy read that it almost feels like you're chatting with a friend over coffee! Pick it up today and get to know MK and her world in an intimate way that few have seen so far!

[Lauren Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally write reviews for books, other then giving them their one to five stars.

This is definitely a five star book. If you’ve seen Mary Katherine on social media, you know how fun, love-able, open, and honest she is.

This book is all of that. I laughed, I cried, I stopped to think about ways I could give more of just my time to my children. It gives you hope. It shows you that in the crazy world of motherhood that we are not alone, even if we feel that way.

Do yourself a favor and read this, pass it along or buy a copy for your friends.

It feels like sitting with a good friend and just having the biggest heart to heart ever, and during this stressful time it was exactly what I needed.

[Susanne Kerns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Mary Katherine's Mom Babble Facebook page for years and was so excited when I heard that she was writing a book! There are few people who can capture the seemingly mundane, every day highs and lows of parenting with such humor still be so relatable: Mary Katherine nails it.

I love how each of the essays stand on their own so you can flip through and read (and re-read) whichever one speaks to what you're needing that particular day. Best of all, they're the perfect length for busy moms to fit in during the fragments of time we can sneak for ourselves. In addition to the great stories, the book itself is beautiful. It's packed full of color and fun photos and would make an amazing gift (for a friend or for yourself.)

Can't wait for the next one!

[Brenda Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a box of tissue to wipe laughter tears! A very candid, thought provoking look back when my children were small. Loved the book and could not pick a good stopping point and continues to the end!
Take a ride with MK through this journey, you will not be disappointed! Surely confirms you are not alone in your challenges as well as triumphs in your job of motherhood!


“TODAY, I WILL REMEMBER THAT IT IS MY JOB TO BE THE CALM OVER THE CHAOS. In one picture, God reminded me that my job is simply to be there. Calm and consistent. To oversee the chaos of the wild. Not to tame it, but to quietly pull it into order.”

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most real book I’ve ever read! I couldn’t put it down and I plan on reading it again. It’s real and raw and makes you feel as a parent you aren’t alone when I know at times I’ve never felt more alone. My kids will act a certain way and I know I raised them better and I see other kids behaving so well but reading this I hear I’m not alone. I see that other parents have the same issues behind closed doors I felt during reading this book I could have wrote word for word exactly what MK wrote. I love MK she is an inspiration. Thank you so much for writing this and being so honest with us!!!

[Jamie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book through following Mary Katherine online... It did NOT disappoint!

The true story of motherhood!! I wish I had read this before I had kids, but I probably wouldn't have believed it. I think books like this should be required reading for all new parents because it helps to know that you're not alone in this crazy new world of parenthood! I will be buying copies for every new mom I know!

Mary Katherine tells the God-honest truth about what it's like to be a mom... The good, bad, and horrifying! Every parent will find SOMETHING in this book that will make them shout, "OMG! ME TOO!!!" Buy it. Read it!