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Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps
"What I want to say to you is that sometimes life catches you by surprise and you feel unequipped to handle what it brings you, but every bit of life you've lived before that moment equips you to live through it. That's what I would give to you." -Fanni Victoria Green-Lemons, in conversation with her daughter, Danyealah Green-Lemons
In Mom , Dave Isay-StoryCorps's founder and the editor of the project's bestselling collection, Listening Is an Act of Love -presents a celebration of American mothers. Featuring StoryCorps's most revelatory stories on the subject, Mom looks across a diversity of experience to present an entirely original portrait of motherhood.
Through conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, siblings and friends, the life of the American mother unfolds. In stories that take us from the woods of New Hampshire to urban Detroit and beyond, we meet mothers and children from all walks of life-an immigrant mother instilling in her children the importance of education, adult children caring for an elderly parent, a woman remembering the sound of her mother's laugh, and mothers and children of all ages learning to grow into new roles over time. Visiting families in moments of profound joy and sadness, courage and despair, struggle and triumph, we learn new truths about that most primal and sacred of bonds-the relationship between mother and child.
With this vital contribution to the American storybook, StoryCorps has created a tribute to mothers that honors the wealth of our national experience. An appreciation of the wisdom and generosity passed between mothers and children, this generation to the next, Mom offers powerful lessons in the meaning of family and the expansiveness of the human heart.
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In Mom , Dave Isay-StoryCorps's founder and the editor of the project's bestselling collection, Listening Is an Act of Love -presents a celebration of American mothers. Featuring StoryCorps's most revelatory stories on the subject, Mom looks across a diversity of experience to present an entirely original portrait of motherhood.
Through conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, siblings and friends, the life of the American mother unfolds. In stories that take us from the woods of New Hampshire to urban Detroit and beyond, we meet mothers and children from all walks of life-an immigrant mother instilling in her children the importance of education, adult children caring for an elderly parent, a woman remembering the sound of her mother's laugh, and mothers and children of all ages learning to grow into new roles over time. Visiting families in moments of profound joy and sadness, courage and despair, struggle and triumph, we learn new truths about that most primal and sacred of bonds-the relationship between mother and child.
With this vital contribution to the American storybook, StoryCorps has created a tribute to mothers that honors the wealth of our national experience. An appreciation of the wisdom and generosity passed between mothers and children, this generation to the next, Mom offers powerful lessons in the meaning of family and the expansiveness of the human heart.
Watch a Video
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
53 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 4, 2011
I heard the quick and familiar knock on the door a few weeks ago. The UPS delivery man was already walking back to his truck when I opened the front door and found another package on my porch. I opened the package to discover an absolutely beautiful book. The cover was red and the simple title in white caught my eye -- MOM.
How could I resist this book? The answer is simple. I couldn't.
MOM : A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps edited by Dave Isay is a delightful collection of interviews about mothers.
I rarely listen to NPR so I was unfamiliar with StoryCorps. According to the introduction in the book, several years ago StoryCorps set up a small recording studio in Grand Central Station and then in other public places around the country. They were hoping that people would venture inside, interview each other and share their personal stories. The project was remarkably successful.
This book is a collection of thoughts, feelings and stories about moms that were gleaned from these interviews. When I first received the book, I read a quick story here and there when I had a spare moment. Today, I planned to do the same. Read a few stories. I became so engrossed and emotionally involved that I read the entire book from cover to cover. I became choked up at several of the stories and the words of love for their children and for their mothers really touched my heart. The book is also filled with simple words of wisdom.
Pam and Dan Pisner talk to their daughter about the decision to continue with the pregnancy after learning that Pam, using fertility treatments, was carrying quintuplets. Dan says:
"And then after you babies were born we were very busy, but we weren't doing any of those other things, and in fact could not even remember what those things were. But it wasn't important to us. What was important to us now was just being with you guys. Those other things must have been time fillers--because this is the real deal!"(pg. 75)
Tia Casciato Smallwood tells her daughter about her feeling of ending her cherished career to be at home with her young children. She says:
"...I don't think I learned how to be a real human being until I was with my children and suffered with them and watched what they go through. You would give up anything for them. You would give up your life, your career, and your home. You unconditionally love them, and I think that is what made my life complete. So I never regretted it." (pg. 84)
Roselyn Payne Epps, a pediatrician, talks with her daughter, also a pediatrician. Roselyn says:
"You all have done very well. But I take no credit and I take no blame. People say, 'Aren't you proud?' My mother always said, 'Don't be proud; just be thankful.' So when you were coming along, I said 'I won't take credit because I'm not going to take blame either!'" (pg. 42)
Sisters express their love and memories for their mother who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. A birth mother tells her son the story of his adoption. A mother talks with her two daughters - one adopted and the other biological - about how she loves them both dearly. A son expresses his relief that he and his mother were reconciled before her death. A mother talks about her son who gave his life as a soldier.
The stories tap honest and deep emotion because they are true. As the people pour out their deepest feelings to family members that they trust, one can read into their very souls.
MOM : A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps would make a perfect gift and is in every way an expression of the amazing and tender emotions that mothers have for their children and children for their mothers.
StoryCorps also reminds us to take the time to interview and record for posterity the memories, thoughts and words of wisdome of our family members. The book includes questions that can initiate conversation, such as "What was the happiest time in your life?" or "How has your life been different than you imagined it?"
My grandfather was a storyteller. As a child, I loved to sit at his knee as he spun the yarns of his exciting life (some were probably slightly exaggerated). When I was in college, I bought dozens of blank tapes with the intent of recording his stories. But he was too sick by then to talk for long periods. The coughing would wear him out. He gave me a notebook that he had filled with his handwritten tales that I treasure but it is not the same thing as hearing his voice. And then he passed away.
In the words of Dave Isay, the editor, "Don't wait."
How could I resist this book? The answer is simple. I couldn't.
MOM : A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps edited by Dave Isay is a delightful collection of interviews about mothers.
I rarely listen to NPR so I was unfamiliar with StoryCorps. According to the introduction in the book, several years ago StoryCorps set up a small recording studio in Grand Central Station and then in other public places around the country. They were hoping that people would venture inside, interview each other and share their personal stories. The project was remarkably successful.
This book is a collection of thoughts, feelings and stories about moms that were gleaned from these interviews. When I first received the book, I read a quick story here and there when I had a spare moment. Today, I planned to do the same. Read a few stories. I became so engrossed and emotionally involved that I read the entire book from cover to cover. I became choked up at several of the stories and the words of love for their children and for their mothers really touched my heart. The book is also filled with simple words of wisdom.
Pam and Dan Pisner talk to their daughter about the decision to continue with the pregnancy after learning that Pam, using fertility treatments, was carrying quintuplets. Dan says:
"And then after you babies were born we were very busy, but we weren't doing any of those other things, and in fact could not even remember what those things were. But it wasn't important to us. What was important to us now was just being with you guys. Those other things must have been time fillers--because this is the real deal!"(pg. 75)
Tia Casciato Smallwood tells her daughter about her feeling of ending her cherished career to be at home with her young children. She says:
"...I don't think I learned how to be a real human being until I was with my children and suffered with them and watched what they go through. You would give up anything for them. You would give up your life, your career, and your home. You unconditionally love them, and I think that is what made my life complete. So I never regretted it." (pg. 84)
Roselyn Payne Epps, a pediatrician, talks with her daughter, also a pediatrician. Roselyn says:
"You all have done very well. But I take no credit and I take no blame. People say, 'Aren't you proud?' My mother always said, 'Don't be proud; just be thankful.' So when you were coming along, I said 'I won't take credit because I'm not going to take blame either!'" (pg. 42)
Sisters express their love and memories for their mother who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. A birth mother tells her son the story of his adoption. A mother talks with her two daughters - one adopted and the other biological - about how she loves them both dearly. A son expresses his relief that he and his mother were reconciled before her death. A mother talks about her son who gave his life as a soldier.
The stories tap honest and deep emotion because they are true. As the people pour out their deepest feelings to family members that they trust, one can read into their very souls.
MOM : A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps would make a perfect gift and is in every way an expression of the amazing and tender emotions that mothers have for their children and children for their mothers.
StoryCorps also reminds us to take the time to interview and record for posterity the memories, thoughts and words of wisdome of our family members. The book includes questions that can initiate conversation, such as "What was the happiest time in your life?" or "How has your life been different than you imagined it?"
My grandfather was a storyteller. As a child, I loved to sit at his knee as he spun the yarns of his exciting life (some were probably slightly exaggerated). When I was in college, I bought dozens of blank tapes with the intent of recording his stories. But he was too sick by then to talk for long periods. The coughing would wear him out. He gave me a notebook that he had filled with his handwritten tales that I treasure but it is not the same thing as hearing his voice. And then he passed away.
In the words of Dave Isay, the editor, "Don't wait."
January 7, 2013
What if ordinary people could sit down and interview one another? Not be interviewed by a professional, but sister to sister, husband to wife, mother to daughter? What would you get?
You would get a collection of stories about very real people on very real topics.
A Mom A Celebration of Mothers is divided into three categories — wisdom, devotion, enduring love — but there is no narrative linking the stories together. No attempt to put common stories together. Just slices of life, representing the slices of culture, gender, race and ages of the people who wandered into the booth to tell their stories.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
You would get a collection of stories about very real people on very real topics.
A Mom A Celebration of Mothers is divided into three categories — wisdom, devotion, enduring love — but there is no narrative linking the stories together. No attempt to put common stories together. Just slices of life, representing the slices of culture, gender, race and ages of the people who wandered into the booth to tell their stories.
To read the full review visit http://silverandgrace.com/book-review...
May 27, 2018
It was lovely reading this book in the month of May featuring real stories told by various people about their Moms or conversations between moms and their children.
March 3, 2014
I am interested in personal histories. While reading this I was currently working on some commissioned paintings for families where I interviewed them as a personal historian might, and then condensed and created the main themes into an expressionistic compilation of their personal story onto canvas. The different voices and experiences in this book are just short/long enough to intrigue and enlighten.
May 3, 2010
I picked this book up one night after a long day of classes, thinking I would just read a story or two. I didn't put it down until I had finished every single one. Such touching stories - really runs the gamut of types of relationships one can have with a mother or motherhood. It's wonderful to read these stories in the voice of the people telling them. I highly recommend!
January 23, 2013
The short stories wisdom by every person was the best part of the stories, was a celebration of life
in every way, I recomend to read and enjoy all these wonderful individuals. Life is great. Thanks to my beautiful daugther for given me this priceless book.
in every way, I recomend to read and enjoy all these wonderful individuals. Life is great. Thanks to my beautiful daugther for given me this priceless book.
December 10, 2012
I read much of this through teary eyes. What beautiful stories about moms; they made me miss my own mother. Thank goodness I'll see her in a couple weeks!
June 22, 2012
Anything having to do with storycorps is always amazing!!
April 17, 2020
“This American Life” and “Storycorp” were one of the first podcasts I ever listened to. In 2012, I remember hearing about these stories that were recorded about moms and the proceeds will go to the Storycorp organization.
With Mother’s Day coming up and needing some feel-good stories in my life right now I pulled this one off my shelf. I breezed through it and loved reading about siblings talking about their moms, mothers and children sharing stories together, and even couples talking about their moms. The stories are heartwarming with life-lessons and lots of inspiration. It would make an excellent gift for any mom in your life.
With Mother’s Day coming up and needing some feel-good stories in my life right now I pulled this one off my shelf. I breezed through it and loved reading about siblings talking about their moms, mothers and children sharing stories together, and even couples talking about their moms. The stories are heartwarming with life-lessons and lots of inspiration. It would make an excellent gift for any mom in your life.
May 15, 2019
I’ve been a fan of StoryCorps since the moment my boss at work introduced it to me back in 2012. The authenticity of the stories from everyday individuals makes you weep, laugh, and gasp right alongside with storytellers. “Mom” is a great collection of stories to commemorate our mothers and reminds me of how amazing my own mother is. I should bring her to a one of the recording booths and interview her before it’s too late. Thank you David Isay for this incredible project and to preserve stories for generations to listen and learn.
April 13, 2020
Who can resist the heartwarming stories about relationships with their moms? I certainly can’t! This book is filled with short interviews from the storycorps series from NPR. Some are reflecting on the stories of their moms who have passed, while others are told directly to the person in the interview. Everyone has a story and something to tell which makes this book a page turner. Also, this book makes a great gift for Mother’s Day or a birthday!
May 10, 2024
I have long loved all things StoryCorps and this book is no different. There is a little bit lost by not hearing the inflection in the voices or the emotion. But, I don't have a ton of time to plumb the depths of the StoryCorps archives so reading it will have to do for now.
All of the stories were amazing because all people's stories are amazing. A perfect read for Mother's Day. I gave it to my mom to read afterwards.
All of the stories were amazing because all people's stories are amazing. A perfect read for Mother's Day. I gave it to my mom to read afterwards.
May 19, 2019
I love storycorp. Mostly because I love the idea that EVERYbody has something to share. Everybody's experiences matter. And there are far more of us that are wise and loving and intelligent than we hear about. These stories of/from/about regular moms are funny and charming and lovely in all the most mom ways.
June 6, 2017
Finished Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps a collection of transcripts from interviews conducted through the Story Corps project. My daughter knows I like to listen to the interviews on NPR and gave this to me for Mother's Day. The stories were wide-ranging, diverse, and poignant. I did notice a pattern that a large majority of the stories were about women who had to raise children on their own due to death, divorce or abandonment. This book is a testament to strong women.
May 25, 2019
Fun stories that come about through interviews. I would love to come upon a story corps booth! I liked the interview questions at the back of the book and can really start meaningful conversations with loved ones.
Read
July 24, 2019I enjoy listening to NPR on the radio.
This book was a quick enjoyable read. The stories made many connection with my own life.
This book was a quick enjoyable read. The stories made many connection with my own life.
August 5, 2019
This is a great book to read during the busy, easily interrupted summer reading schedule. The short chapters are easy to put down and pick up whenever the mood strikes. A true, "from the heart" synopsis of mom relationships.
June 14, 2022
As a contributor to this book, I will always hold dear the memories shared and stories that at my father tells of his mother, my abuela. This collection of stories is heartwarming and sweet, a blend of memorable moments coming from all walks of life and viewpoints.
March 31, 2025
I really like this book. But I just wish parents tells more about how they raise their kids with some examples. Wonder if there is a book that has real life examples of how parents react in certain situations with their kids.
May 16, 2017
A heartwarming, loving and touching collection.
Who doesn't love StoryCorps?
Who doesn't love StoryCorps?
September 23, 2017
I love these books they always make me emotional and very grateful.
September 12, 2018
Wonderful collection of remembrances as told from the point of view of sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, the mothers themselves, etc., compiled by StoryCorps. I'm sure many of you have heard various themed vignettes on NPR's weekend broadcasts. Thoroughly enjoying each chapter.
January 5, 2019
short stories by guy who started Storycorp about moms. some better than others
December 2, 2020
If you love Humans of New York than you will love the StoryCorps books.
September 15, 2022
I love hearing people’s stories.
December 2, 2023
Such a lovely book, with transcript for Story Corp about Moms. Made miss mine.
December 27, 2023
Touching and sweet, also sad and emotional. Great little stories
April 29, 2021
Some nice stories stories in here, but few that are super memorable. (If you’re looking for a collection from an NPR show, choose the ones from The Moth!)
October 2, 2016
Uplifting and inspiring stories from and about everyday mothers all across the country. It was fun to see into the lives of real women no different than I: women who are mothers, and women who have mothers.
October 1, 2016
A beautiful collection of stories on a topic near to my heart as I hold my new baby and reflect on the joys and challenges of being a mother. Filled with beauty and wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews