Monday, December 08, 2008

A Book to Add to Your List

I got lucky a few months ago when an e-mail landed in my in-box, asking if I'd be willing to get a free book (Hello?! Do you KNOW who you're talking to?!) and review it here on my blog.

Since it's non-fiction and hence not a contender for a Whitney Award, I can review it. Yippee!

(To explain for readers new to my blog: I'm on the Whitney Awards Committee this year and get to judge two of the categories to decide the finalists, so my opinion of 2008 LDS fiction releases has to stay mum. You'll note on my Good Reads profile that any 2008 releases I've read this year don't have any ratings. That would be why. Nominate your favorite fiction by any LDS writer—that includes national writers as well as those in the LDS market. You have until December 31. Do it at the Whitney site.)

It was with much giddiness that I opened up my copy of the mother in me, a collection of essays, poetry, and photography entirely about motherhood, particularly the early years.



Considering what great book this is, that's a really dry (and lame) description. In short, the book is amazing. And it's not a little pamphlet-length ditty. It's 256 pages of (hardback!) awesomeness.

This is a compilation by the staff at Segullah, which is a literary journal for LDS women, including some names you'll likely recognize (like the famous C Jane). These ladies can write.

They're also all mothers. Every one of them has been in the trenches. Each has a different story to tell.

What I found so wonderful is that every essay and poem has a unique blend of being both unique and universal at the same time. Any woman who's been pregnant, given birth, been up in the wee sma's of the morning with colic, nursed a newborn, wondered if she's really up to this motherhood thing, or been so tired she couldn't see straight, can relate to these women and their experiences.

I've never juggled a stroller in Manhattan. I didn't have problems nursing. I never had a C-section. But the essays by women who did those things and more resonated with me anyway.

I love how not one of the writers whitewashes motherhood as some perfect fantasy life. It's real. You see the love, the patience, and the boundless joy mixed right in with the fatigue, the frustration, and the impatience.

You read of times where a mother is a brain cell away from losing her mind completely . . . and the moments that make every last sleepless night worth it.

In short, the mundane and the divine interlock in a beautiful way.

If you haven't bought your share of books for gifts yet this season, put this one on your list for a mother you know (or put it on your own list for Santa to bring you). Buy it here.

Oh, and a warning: you'll probably cry. More than once. Just know that going in. It's that good.

13 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Sounds like a great book!

Jan said...

I have heard such great things about this book. I know someone that would just love it too. She loves CJane.

Julie said...

I agree - I loved it.

Alison Wonderland said...

I hadn't really thought about this for Christmas gifts but now I'm thinking... thinking... thinking...

Josi said...

If there is anyone's book reviews I can trust--it's yours. Great review. I hadn't heard much about the book so I'm glad to hear such great info about it.

Anonymous said...

Is it okay to comment on a review of a book I'm in? I hope so--thanks for the review, Annette. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book.

Cheryl said...

I agree! It was a great book and I still pick it up when I need some perspective on motherhood. It's on my end table in the living room and I only reserve that for things like the Ensign, the scriptures, and books I like to read over and over. Not that it's akin to scripture...but you know what I mean. :)

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Sounds well worth a read! Off to check Amazon.ca now...

Little GrumpyAngel said...

Added to my wish list for myself for Christmas. Thanks for the recommendation.

LisAway said...

What a neat idea for a book. Sort of what we love about reading mommy blogs all in a book with pictures and poetry to boot. Sounds great, and like a perfect Christmas present!

Heather Moore said...

I'll have to put this on my Christmas list.

Randi said...

I'm so glad to know it's good. I've been wondering about putting it on my Christmas list!

Amanda D said...

I'm dying to read this book! I've been begging the library here to buy it. Wish I had known about it before I gave out my wishlist for Christmas. :)

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