Frumpy Middle-Aged Mom: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Motherhood

by Marla Jo Fisher

Never mind the Real Housewives of Orange County―Marla Jo Fisher is the woman everyone can relate to, complete with bad parenting, rotten dogs, ill health, and fashion faux pas. For nearly two decades, in the Orange County Register and many syndicated papers, readers have delighted in Marla Jo’s subversive humor, cranky intellect, and huge heart on her journey through broke, single, after-40 motherhood, when she adopted Cheetah Boy and Curly Girl, to her oddball adventures around the globe, to the sublime ridiculousness of life next door. Even while facing a devastating diagnosis, Fisher teaches us that humor is the balm that eases and the very thing that binds us together.

248 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2020

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the description of the author - she adopted two non-baby children in California as a 46-year old single mother; we are getting ready to adopt two non-baby children in our 40s. What this really is is a cleaned up compilation of essays published in various newspapers, the lighter fare where people read it and chuckle and find some shared experience but that's about it? And there's nothing wrong with that, and it's probably exactly how the book presents itself. Because Fisher has promised not to tell anything negative about her kids, there's a certain level of vagueness that isn't great in a book about kids. I chuckled a few times, skimmed a few times, and it's nice that it ranges from young kid age through teens and leaving the house age, plus pets.

I had an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss; it came out November 24.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fisher writes a column for a newspaper which she strung together for a book. It’s humorous read of her adventures in parenthood. At 46 she adopted a 5 and 3 year old. Kudos to her bravery. The book is categorized in different genres but I appreciated her sarcasm and realistic wit concerning single parenting. Thanks to edelweiss and the publisher for the early copy.

[Chloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading all the different subjects and opinions

[Marilyn Odgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inspiring life journey

Well let’s see....to see someone live so courageously and reap the rewards for doing so. Courage to take on two little people, the courage to not let cancer stop her from living to the fullest . The rewards of course are two wonderful young adults and a bunch of great memories (stories) to share.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this fun read. Even if you don't have kids you will love this.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy, relatable read. I loved it.