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Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother: A Memoir
When Stacey Aaronson was born in 1969, her mother, Bree, was sixteen and barely out of braces. Hastily wed to Stacey's dad and divorced soon after, Bree raised Stacey with his and her parents' loving support. Growing up together in an often role-reversal scenario and mistaken for sisters, Bree would come to say, "I didn't raise Stacey. Stacey raised me."
Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother tells the extraordinary story of this mother-daughter duo reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. Anchoring each other to the world through unwavering love and acceptance, Bree and Stacey take on life with an uncanny gift for seeing magic in the most ordinary moments. Whether bouncing between the markedly different homes of her mom, dad, and grandparents, discovering her religious and sexual identities, or starting college in her mid-twenties, Stacey is buoyed by Bree's devotion as a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. She helps Bree navigate her own path as she seeks the biological mother she never knew and a partner to grow old with. But Bree--despite her vibrant spirit and astounding near-reversal of an MS diagnosis--learns too young she has cancer, whose underlying emotional roots even a cutting-edge, non-toxic treatment can't cure.
As Stacey steps into the role of caregiver, the two face the most poignant leg of their journey: nurturing their deep soul connection even as one soul transitions to another realm. Brimming with miracles, wonder, and joy even in its saddest moments, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother is a tender yet ebullient celebration of life, of love, of death's mysterious passage, and the mystical forces that bind us all.
Includes a gallery of over sixty photos, book discussion questions, and an interview with the author.
Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother tells the extraordinary story of this mother-daughter duo reminiscent of Gilmore Girls. Anchoring each other to the world through unwavering love and acceptance, Bree and Stacey take on life with an uncanny gift for seeing magic in the most ordinary moments. Whether bouncing between the markedly different homes of her mom, dad, and grandparents, discovering her religious and sexual identities, or starting college in her mid-twenties, Stacey is buoyed by Bree's devotion as a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. She helps Bree navigate her own path as she seeks the biological mother she never knew and a partner to grow old with. But Bree--despite her vibrant spirit and astounding near-reversal of an MS diagnosis--learns too young she has cancer, whose underlying emotional roots even a cutting-edge, non-toxic treatment can't cure.
As Stacey steps into the role of caregiver, the two face the most poignant leg of their journey: nurturing their deep soul connection even as one soul transitions to another realm. Brimming with miracles, wonder, and joy even in its saddest moments, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother is a tender yet ebullient celebration of life, of love, of death's mysterious passage, and the mystical forces that bind us all.
Includes a gallery of over sixty photos, book discussion questions, and an interview with the author.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2021
203 people are currently reading
2236 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Aaronson
5 books26 followersRaising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother is the winner of the 2022 Book Excellence Award for Memoir; a 2022 IPPY Award Bronze Medal for Best First Book, Nonfiction; and a Readers’ Favorite Honorable Mention for Memoir.
Stacey Aaronson is the product of an exceptionally loving, accepting, and big-hearted family who have always encouraged her to be no one but her authentic self. It took a while, but she finally uncovered her gifts and soul’s calling in 2011 as a writer, ghostwriter, editor, book and website designer, graphics creator, and publishing partner, and has since been gleefully and gratefully involved in the full or partial production of over two hundred books. She delights in working with authors of multiple genres within her business, The Book Doctor Is In, and as a layout artist for She Writes Press.
She currently lives on Whidbey Island in Washington state with her soul mate and playmate of twenty-three years, Dana; their rescued Maine Coon kitty, Sierra Luna; and the many deer, squirrels, and birds that frequent their property.
Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother is her first solo publication.
Stacey Aaronson is the product of an exceptionally loving, accepting, and big-hearted family who have always encouraged her to be no one but her authentic self. It took a while, but she finally uncovered her gifts and soul’s calling in 2011 as a writer, ghostwriter, editor, book and website designer, graphics creator, and publishing partner, and has since been gleefully and gratefully involved in the full or partial production of over two hundred books. She delights in working with authors of multiple genres within her business, The Book Doctor Is In, and as a layout artist for She Writes Press.
She currently lives on Whidbey Island in Washington state with her soul mate and playmate of twenty-three years, Dana; their rescued Maine Coon kitty, Sierra Luna; and the many deer, squirrels, and birds that frequent their property.
Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother is her first solo publication.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 6, 2021
Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
This was my seventeenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. Although memoirs are not my usual genre, the synopsis and the author’s note at the beginning drew me in. This review also appears on Reedsy.
If you're interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid "tips" to review books!) check it out here.
The Premise
Born to a sixteen-year-old free-spirited mother in the late 1960s, Stacey’s upbringing was unique. This memoir chronicles her life from birth to present, touching on all the relationships that influenced her — her grandparents, her friends, her partner, her father, and most importantly its central focus: her mother. Part witty comedy, part painful drama, this true recount of their relationship is similar to the dynamic of the television show “Gilmore Girls”. As her mother Bree often said: “I didn’t raise Stacey. Stacey raised me.”
Bouncing between the various homes among her family members, all of whom welcomed her despite her shifting religious, sexual and other identities, Stacey’s guiding light is her mother. When Bree falls ill, she steps into the role of caregiver until her final days. With a hefty dose of heart and a sprinkle of magical realism, this memoir celebrates her mother’s life and honours her memory.
The Pros
This was a heartwarming and heartbreaking memoir of a mother/daughter love that knows no limits.
Though my reading tastes are broad and inclusive, when I take on the honour and responsibility of reviewing, I usually keep a wide berth away from memoirs — it’s hard to cast a critical eye upon something so factual and personal. However, this one had me at “Gilmore Girls” — my and my mom’s absolute favourite show ever, and I couldn’t resist.
Beautiful and moving from beginning to end, this chronicle of Stacey’s and Bree’s life is a glorious depiction of an unusual mother-daughter role-reversal dynamic.
Charming, intimate, and relatable, we fall in love with “Mommie Bree” from the first moment when she refused to get married with her braces on. As she stumbles through her own struggles with self-image, relationships, depression, and illness, she still shields her daughter Stacey from the depths of it, sacrificing her own happiness to ensure that her daughter gets the most out of life. Not wanting to be a burden, Bree reaches out for support only when she absolutely must, much to Stacey’s chagrin as she wants to be able to do so much more for the woman who brought her to life in more ways than one.
The journey from childhood to adulthood is masterful, heartfelt, and so gripping that there were points when it was impossible to take a breather from this book. The authenticity, the humour, the kindness, the compassion and the sheer love of coming-to-age under the guiding light of her mother’s influence are brilliantly woven through the tapestry of these pages, culminating in a photo album and afterword from Bree — through the afterlife — that would touch even the coldest of hearts.
I loved that the author was reflective as she recounts the story, understanding things as an adult that would have eluded her as a child, and giving us that additional insight with her brand of brazen honesty:
“Maybe on the surface, my mom didn’t seem so remarkable. She didn’t invent anything, or make great strides in a particular field, or even find her way to healing the deep emotional wounds that plagued her so that she could become the resplendent recovery story and pillar of hope she had so wanted to be for others. But even without achieving that, she made a lasting, luminous impression on everyone who knew her.”
There was also an element of magical realism in the aspects of the story that explored religious faith and otherworldly beliefs. I personally loved it, but some readers may have to suspend disbelief and accept that these are integral to Stacey’s and Bree’s story. While some may not abide by these serendipitous unexplainable coincidences, this is the author’s truth and must be respected — no; revered.
Conclusion
This memoir is one that will stay with me for awhile. Though crushingly painful at times, still, even in its darkest hour, it reaches deep to find the uplifting levity of laughter or the pacifying sigh of peace. There is so much love here, so much grief, so much heart. If you are a “Gilmore Girls” fan, you will indeed relish every moment of this book, but I would also recommend to anyone who can enjoy the excellence of writing talent, and stomach reading something real that will bring them to tears. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of this book, and I am grateful to the author for penning her thoughts to words in order to honour her mother in the best way she can: by sharing her with others.
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July 6, 2023
The book glows with love.
June 27, 2021
I couldn’t have been raised more differently than the author, so experiencing her upbringing with her sixteen-year-old mom, Bree, was truly an eye-opener for me. At times Bree’s decisions as a young mom shocked me; other times I was surprised by her innate parenting wisdom, and how the natural self-esteem, free-thinking, and independence she gave to her daughter allowed her to thrive as her authentic self. So few children experience such complete acceptance, and not just from her mom, but from her dad and grandparents too, the three of whom Stacey affectionately describes as her “trifecta.” And Stacey doesn’t hold back on her coming-of-age awkward moments either—she is candid about everything from getting her first bra as a preteen to getting what she calls “stupidly engaged” in her 20s, with plenty of laughs and tears in between.
I got a genuine kick out of the role-reversal the mother-daughter pair operated under, with Stacey seeming to have no resentment stepping into the parent role with her young mom, not only as a child, but through the years as well. Yes, the two experienced their share of ups and downs as Bree sought out love and her own path, but mostly I felt swept up in this uncommon and heartwarming friendship of equals, wondering what quirky conversation, or sentimental exchange, or mystical event between them was going to happen next. Stacey has so many wonderfully unusual things occur in her life that I found intriguing and inspiring. And when the unthinkable happens and Stacey is faced with losing Bree, the tenderness, magic, and unique bond they share are heightened even more. Even in the sadness, there is delight and hope that I think anyone would take comfort in. I, myself, was changed by how their life journey upends the typical doom and gloom teen pregnancy stereotype. Even Bree admits: “What felt like the worst thing happening to me as a teenager turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.” When you read this book, you’ll understand why.
I got a genuine kick out of the role-reversal the mother-daughter pair operated under, with Stacey seeming to have no resentment stepping into the parent role with her young mom, not only as a child, but through the years as well. Yes, the two experienced their share of ups and downs as Bree sought out love and her own path, but mostly I felt swept up in this uncommon and heartwarming friendship of equals, wondering what quirky conversation, or sentimental exchange, or mystical event between them was going to happen next. Stacey has so many wonderfully unusual things occur in her life that I found intriguing and inspiring. And when the unthinkable happens and Stacey is faced with losing Bree, the tenderness, magic, and unique bond they share are heightened even more. Even in the sadness, there is delight and hope that I think anyone would take comfort in. I, myself, was changed by how their life journey upends the typical doom and gloom teen pregnancy stereotype. Even Bree admits: “What felt like the worst thing happening to me as a teenager turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.” When you read this book, you’ll understand why.
March 6, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. I am an only child who is very close with her mother. She is now in another realm but I’m fully aware she’s never far. The first third of the book was a wild ride, seeing Stacey grow with the influence of so many. The gratitude she shows for her relationships is beautiful. I’m at a loss for words, truly. Coming up on 6 years without my mother and this book was such a wink from her. Thank you Stacey and Bree 🩷
May 19, 2022
Stacey Aaronson’s memoir Raising and Losing My Remarkable Teenage Mother is a sensitive, and at times, hilarious depiction of the special love between a teenage mother and her daughter. Wrought with the occasional role reversal showing the poignant reality of a 16 year old mother and her “old soul” daughter, Stacey gave the reader the gift of laughter by the antics of a child raising a child while showing the solid values of a young-mother. Your heart will be touched in a special of way that only the truest of loves between a parent and child can do. This memoir gave me a sense that the greatest love not only weathers the inevitable challenges of our lives together but how powerful the commitment of loving above all else can truly give us the surest path to joy. There’s no doubt in my mind after reading Stacey’s book that our relationships of love endure past our final day on earth and the truest love is forever. Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby as you travel through this beautiful love story.
September 22, 2021
I loved this book. Heartfelt and funny, the reader is taken on a journey with Stacey as she talks about her mother and her extraordinary upbringing with a teenage mother. The writing is excellent and engaging, and will make you laugh and cry. Even if you aren't someone who typically reads memoirs, I highly recommend this one.
January 21, 2022
A Must-Read for Teen Moms
As a teen mother myself, I felt so connected to this story. It was so refreshing to hear from the child's point of view. I've always been so afraid that I failed my son by growing up with him instead of being grown up for him. This book gave me hope that he might cherish our relationship and be able to see it in the same light.
As a teen mother myself, I felt so connected to this story. It was so refreshing to hear from the child's point of view. I've always been so afraid that I failed my son by growing up with him instead of being grown up for him. This book gave me hope that he might cherish our relationship and be able to see it in the same light.
July 18, 2021
In the title of her memoir, author Stacey Aaronson uses the word "remarkable" to describe her mother, Briana, or Bree. I'll go a step further and add that their relationship was also extraordinary. At a very young age, Stacey witnesses her mother's vulnerabilities (pot parties, unworthy boyfriends) and decides to become her protector. In one early jaw-dropping scene, she searches the library for Dr. Spock's book on child-rearing—not to give her mother, but for insight on how to raise her. In exchange, Stacey receives unconditional love, acceptance, and freedom to pursue her dreams.
As Stacey grows into adulthood, some of her plans are derailed as her mother's health issues take center stage. After Bree's cancer diagnosis, Stacey accompanies her to Mexico for alternative therapy treatments. When the illness progresses (no spoiler here, it's in the title), Stacey is all-in as caregiver and remains with her mother until the final heartbreaking moments. Watching Bree slip away, I wondered how Stacey would cope with such a devastating loss. This is where the fascinating mystical elements of the book come into play. As her mother is dying and after she passes, Stacey receives messages from her through an intuitive friend, who reassures her that Bree is still nearby and will never leave her side. For those of us who mourn and miss our beloved mothers, this is indeed a comforting thought.
While the book mainly focuses on the mother-daughter bond, Stacey's father and grandparents also play loving and important supporting roles. Even Audrey Meadows makes a cameo appearance! The unexpected way in which Stacey meets her romantic partner Dana is endearing (cue Sarah Brightman), as is Dana's closeness with Bree. I was also drawn into the interesting side stories, such as how Stacey became a Jew and later learned that perhaps she had a compelling genetic reason for doing so.
Also impressive is the compassion with which the author expresses herself when discussing family ties and the care she has taken to go through countless text messages and photos to make our reading experience more palpable. By the end of the book, I felt I had become one of the family (perhaps a distant cousin?). I am in awe that the author was able to complete this moving, heartfelt memoir so soon after losing her mother, but then again, she was clearly precocious from the start. Well-written and engaging, I highly recommend following Stacey and Bree on their heartwarming journey on this earth and beyond.
As Stacey grows into adulthood, some of her plans are derailed as her mother's health issues take center stage. After Bree's cancer diagnosis, Stacey accompanies her to Mexico for alternative therapy treatments. When the illness progresses (no spoiler here, it's in the title), Stacey is all-in as caregiver and remains with her mother until the final heartbreaking moments. Watching Bree slip away, I wondered how Stacey would cope with such a devastating loss. This is where the fascinating mystical elements of the book come into play. As her mother is dying and after she passes, Stacey receives messages from her through an intuitive friend, who reassures her that Bree is still nearby and will never leave her side. For those of us who mourn and miss our beloved mothers, this is indeed a comforting thought.
While the book mainly focuses on the mother-daughter bond, Stacey's father and grandparents also play loving and important supporting roles. Even Audrey Meadows makes a cameo appearance! The unexpected way in which Stacey meets her romantic partner Dana is endearing (cue Sarah Brightman), as is Dana's closeness with Bree. I was also drawn into the interesting side stories, such as how Stacey became a Jew and later learned that perhaps she had a compelling genetic reason for doing so.
Also impressive is the compassion with which the author expresses herself when discussing family ties and the care she has taken to go through countless text messages and photos to make our reading experience more palpable. By the end of the book, I felt I had become one of the family (perhaps a distant cousin?). I am in awe that the author was able to complete this moving, heartfelt memoir so soon after losing her mother, but then again, she was clearly precocious from the start. Well-written and engaging, I highly recommend following Stacey and Bree on their heartwarming journey on this earth and beyond.
October 15, 2022
Amazing, loved it
Memoirs are 99% of my reads, this being one of my favorites! Great title, you know where it's going from the start. It was such a feel good book, how can all these great things happen in her childhood? But the more you read its just who Stacey is, because of her mom, dad, family and how she was raised. She got the best of both worlds because of the kind of people her mom and dad were. I have been with 2 people at the end of their lives and I when I look back I feel honored to have been with them. My daughter is one also who from a young age had an innate understanding about death and able to comfort others. Loved your book!!
Memoirs are 99% of my reads, this being one of my favorites! Great title, you know where it's going from the start. It was such a feel good book, how can all these great things happen in her childhood? But the more you read its just who Stacey is, because of her mom, dad, family and how she was raised. She got the best of both worlds because of the kind of people her mom and dad were. I have been with 2 people at the end of their lives and I when I look back I feel honored to have been with them. My daughter is one also who from a young age had an innate understanding about death and able to comfort others. Loved your book!!
March 1, 2023
Unexpectedly good book
I picked this book because it was one of my Kindle free to read books and The thought this would be a quick light hearted story. I was drawn in quickly (even after seeing this was an almost 500 page story so it wasn't going to be a quick read) and stayed awake (when I should have gone to sleep) and fun I she this in one day. I think I was drawn into her mother's hospice journey as I cared for my mother in law through her cancer journey and ultimate death so this resonated our shared feelings. Very well written and thoughtful book.
I picked this book because it was one of my Kindle free to read books and The thought this would be a quick light hearted story. I was drawn in quickly (even after seeing this was an almost 500 page story so it wasn't going to be a quick read) and stayed awake (when I should have gone to sleep) and fun I she this in one day. I think I was drawn into her mother's hospice journey as I cared for my mother in law through her cancer journey and ultimate death so this resonated our shared feelings. Very well written and thoughtful book.
March 22, 2023
I LOVED the first half of the book - but after hitting that point the author kind of lost me. I was able to appreciate the story but was turned off when she was so angry about cancer care decisions. One documentary made her an expert and her refusal to entertain multiple theories while complaining about being dismissed (while she herself was being dismissive) bothered me.
And then there was the whole “Susan” thing. Again, I could I appreciate the story but it was too much for me.
And then there was the whole “Susan” thing. Again, I could I appreciate the story but it was too much for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
As someone who was raised by a single mom whom I also have a very close, “Gilmore Girls” esque relationship with I knew this book would be something special. I’m happy to say it exceeded all my expectations. As beautiful (and equally heartbreaking) as it was to read about their relationship, I also loved the way it read like a parenting book at times with the author relaying things from her childhood or how her mom treated her that particularly stood out.
December 28, 2023
Amazing book...
.. very heartwarming and inspiring. I was moved to tears several times during its reading, and I never cry! A wonderful tale of two remarkable women with an all- encompassing bond. Beautiful story! RIP, Bree... and God bless you and yours, Stacey. Thank you for the book. 😍
.. very heartwarming and inspiring. I was moved to tears several times during its reading, and I never cry! A wonderful tale of two remarkable women with an all- encompassing bond. Beautiful story! RIP, Bree... and God bless you and yours, Stacey. Thank you for the book. 😍
December 26, 2021
Writer is not as skilled as she thinks. Her moms desire to be a friend instead of a parent didn’t lead to the reader feeling sympathy for the results of poor choices in her life playing out with negative consequences. Good for the author having the book to help her process her loss and life.
May 16, 2022
Tears clouded my vision as I read the last chapters of this moving memoir, which is truly a testament to the power of love. I finished the book thinking, "As a child, Stacey was gifted with wisdom beyond her years. Showered with the unconditional love of her parents and both sets of grandparents, she has gifted the world with this candid, humorous, and penetrating peek into her life—one of courage, resilience, resourcefulness, strength, and perseverance." Although she recounts being described as an old soul, throughout this riveting read, she and her “remarkable mom” stayed forever young.
June 4, 2023
So worth reading
Stacey Aaronson is a wonderful storyteller and writer. She approaches her relationship with her mom with love, compassion and at times hilarity.
Both Aaronson and her mom truly raised one another and were true partners in life.
Stacey Aaronson is a wonderful storyteller and writer. She approaches her relationship with her mom with love, compassion and at times hilarity.
Both Aaronson and her mom truly raised one another and were true partners in life.
February 10, 2024
Well, this one was a knockout. In the BEST way. It had me from the start. The relationship was so relatable in many ways. The tugging of my heart, the joy, and the laughs in this book was just what I needed to end the first month of a new year. ❤️
May 25, 2023
Loved this book so much. The author wrote it so beautifully. I couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews