Real Talk
Modern Moms Talk About Real Life Issues : Books you need to read RN
If there’s ever a good time to pick up a book, it’s now. This year, most of the bestselling books for modern moms are written by actual moms based on their own experiences — been there, done that.
Whether you’re looking for a light read or want to gain knowledge or a little sanity, laugh, or be inspired, here are four books written by modern moms about their own motherhood journeys that I believe deserve our attention.
I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite
The author narrates her journey as a British black modern mom. She talks about her childhood and motherhood in such a valuable and relevant way, making it super relatable to everyone — black or not! She effortlessly makes her readers understand the experiences of many black women, specifically mothers. Candice makes a strong impact and an even stronger connection to her audience, making you laugh out loud one minute, then bringing you to tears the next. She aims to educate, inspire and entertain, and she does just that!
You and I, As Mothers (A Raw and Honest Guide to Motherhood) by Laura Prepon
This modern mom read is a handbook on motherhood that is based on the writer’s own childhood experiences and upbringing. The book is for moms of all ages, at any stage in their motherhood journey. It is packed with practical tips about pregnancy, dealing with a firstborn, self-care and beauty, relationships, home and design, recipes and kitchen hacks, having a mom tribe, and a wealth of ideas for kids activities, weekend getaways, date nights and so much more.
What makes this modern mom book so interesting is the fact that Laura looks back on her own childhood, shares stories, anecdotes and experiences that shaped her as a person, and as a mother. She encourages other moms to acknowledge and embrace their imperfections, challenges, joys and wins, and not to sweat the small stuff because there is so much more to motherhood!
There’s no Manual: Honest and Gory Wisdom About Having a Baby by Beth Newell and Jackie Ann Ruiz
This book is as honest as it gets. If you are a first-time mom-to-be, this modern mom book is for you. It doesn’t leave out any details and truths, and I wish there was something this forthright back in 2000. No one quite possibly receives more unsolicited advice than expectant, first-time moms (right?!) and the funny thing is no one can really prepare us for what it’s like.
BUT, they do like telling us all about the choices we should make. Well — until now. This illustrated book has the most essential FAQs related to pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum. It is hilarious, educational, and did I say honest?
The Hungover Games by Sophie Heawood
This modern mom book chronicles the adventures of a single mom who takes readers on a journey from to LA to London. “Smart, funny, and touching, this memoir from British-based journalist and commentator, Sophie Heawood, tells the story of her life in Hollywood, interviewing celebrities and going to posh parties while barely making ends meet. As a single woman in her thirties doing what she loved, she has a sexy rendezvous with an old friend, the Musician, then discovers that she’s pregnant.
Without the support of the father or the assurance that she can continue working in the U.S., Sophie moves back to London and faces the realities of being a single mother while trying to hold on to the freedom she enjoyed as a rave kid in the 1990s. Her journey from singlehood to motherhood is captured in delightful vignettes with cheeky titles like, “Should you breastfeed on a first date?” Sophie presents a perfect mashup of wit and style with excellent comedic timing and the ability to capture the essence of whatever scene she is observing,” says Kristina Giovanni.
These five women, authors and mothers are navigating the subject of modern motherhood in the year 2020 — a time of political amibiguities, rising inequalities, economic uncertainties, happening on a global scale against the backdrop of a pandemic. They are smart, funny, witty, entertaining and most of all, effective.
In these times, this is exactly what we need.
