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Reese Witherspoon recommended Little Fires Everywhere in Books (curated)
Laura Linney recommended Hug Machine in Books (curated)
Jennifer Reeder recommended Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) in Movies (curated)
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Rubyfruit Jungle in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Hearing about this classic coming out story I had to give it a go. I was expecting to like it more than I did. While I liked the main character, she was fierce and strong headed, she came across as quite anti-hetero and definitely anti motherhood; I must admit that made me a bit uncomfortable.
3 Stars from me.
3 Stars from me.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Pure Gold Baby in Books
Oct 7, 2020
Anna's hidden disability made her mother Jess only want to protect and care for her all the more; especially since she has such a sweet nature - in fact, she is a "Pure Gold Baby". But would caring for Anna be enough for Jess? You can read my revised review of this novel here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/11/15/the-anthropology-of-motherhood/
The Push is a dark, twisted and thoroughly disturbing look at motherhood - and I couldn’t put it down.
Blythe wants to be everything her own mother was not when she was a child, and we do see some of the ways her mother treated her in flashbacks. This is three generations of women (grandmother, mother and daughter)who have clearly not been ideal mothers or treated well as daughters. Blythe desperately wants to break the cycle, and goes in to motherhood with the best of intentions. Except her newborn is not an easy baby for her. She cries continuously, and Blythe really struggles. I did wonder throughout the book if a lot of Blythe’s problems derived from postnatal depression. Except when she goes to see a male doctor about it, he thinks she’s fine (insert the eye roll here! I really didn’t agree with him!). The same could possibly be said of Blythe’s mother and grandmother: if not PND, then some other mental health issue was surely at play here?
This is a brutal look at motherhood. It shows it for what it is for many women: a hard slog. I couldn’t help but empathise with Blythe. I felt that her needs and feelings were pushed aside by her husband and the doctor. In a time where motherhood is all about creating a perfect family, with perfect babies, children and husbands, Blythe doesn’t seem to stand a chance. It made for an intensely uncomfortable reading experience in places.
This is a book that’s going to stay with me for a long while - especially after THAT ending (see, you’ll have to read it now!). I’d highly recommend this - it’s already in my books of the year.
Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an e-copy of this book to read through NetGalley.
Blythe wants to be everything her own mother was not when she was a child, and we do see some of the ways her mother treated her in flashbacks. This is three generations of women (grandmother, mother and daughter)who have clearly not been ideal mothers or treated well as daughters. Blythe desperately wants to break the cycle, and goes in to motherhood with the best of intentions. Except her newborn is not an easy baby for her. She cries continuously, and Blythe really struggles. I did wonder throughout the book if a lot of Blythe’s problems derived from postnatal depression. Except when she goes to see a male doctor about it, he thinks she’s fine (insert the eye roll here! I really didn’t agree with him!). The same could possibly be said of Blythe’s mother and grandmother: if not PND, then some other mental health issue was surely at play here?
This is a brutal look at motherhood. It shows it for what it is for many women: a hard slog. I couldn’t help but empathise with Blythe. I felt that her needs and feelings were pushed aside by her husband and the doctor. In a time where motherhood is all about creating a perfect family, with perfect babies, children and husbands, Blythe doesn’t seem to stand a chance. It made for an intensely uncomfortable reading experience in places.
This is a book that’s going to stay with me for a long while - especially after THAT ending (see, you’ll have to read it now!). I’d highly recommend this - it’s already in my books of the year.
Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an e-copy of this book to read through NetGalley.
I realized I need a book project to keep me reading the books on my shelves… so I’m turning to the ABCs again. This time, it’s authors. The only rule is the book can start with either the author’s first or last name, and I’m trying to prioritize BOTM books to meet my goal of reading twelve this year. Let’s see how I do!
My first choice was THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain (two As and a BOTM!). This was a mesmerizing psychological thriller about a woman, Blythe, who has always feared motherhood, based on her own childhood. After giving birth to Violet, she becomes convinced there’s something wrong with her. Violet doesn't act like other kids. Her husband Fox says it's all in her head. When their second child, Sam, is born, Blythe has a wonderful connection with him--motherhood is finally everything she's wanted. But then it all changes in a devastating moment, and Blythe must face the awful truth she's been fearing.
THE PUSH offers a very honest and brutal look at motherhood. It definitely kept me flipping the pages! It starts off with a bang, then dragged a bit for me in the middle. It's certainly serious and sad, and, at times, a mystery as well. THE PUSH will keep you thinking long after you've turned that last page. 3.5 stars.
My first choice was THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain (two As and a BOTM!). This was a mesmerizing psychological thriller about a woman, Blythe, who has always feared motherhood, based on her own childhood. After giving birth to Violet, she becomes convinced there’s something wrong with her. Violet doesn't act like other kids. Her husband Fox says it's all in her head. When their second child, Sam, is born, Blythe has a wonderful connection with him--motherhood is finally everything she's wanted. But then it all changes in a devastating moment, and Blythe must face the awful truth she's been fearing.
THE PUSH offers a very honest and brutal look at motherhood. It definitely kept me flipping the pages! It starts off with a bang, then dragged a bit for me in the middle. It's certainly serious and sad, and, at times, a mystery as well. THE PUSH will keep you thinking long after you've turned that last page. 3.5 stars.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Motherhood is Murder (A Maternal Instincts Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A night out with Kate's new mommy group turns deadly when one of the members is found dead at the bottom of some stairs. Tragic accident or murder? Lots of humor, and I identified with Kate a little too much. The plot is a little uneven, but still an enjoyable book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-motherhood-is-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-motherhood-is-murder-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Unmumsy Mum in Books
Nov 28, 2019
A Refreshingly Honest Look at Motherhood
As a new mum, I have often felt I am getting it wrong, I am not cut out for this, my child is the spawn of Satan..... this book let's you know you are not the only one to think these things.
Looking at everything from the sleepless nights to mum guilt, making the same mistakes as others, and not living up to your own expectations, the book tells you it's okay to feel like crap, most mum's do, and does so in a very funny way.
Though it has taken me about 4 months to read (since I only get through about 5 pages a week on that rear occasion my son falls asleep in his pram long enough for me to order a coffee and get my book out) it is an easy one to pick up and put down. Since it is not a story, but a look back at both the highs and lows of motherhood.
An absolute must for all new mum's!
Looking at everything from the sleepless nights to mum guilt, making the same mistakes as others, and not living up to your own expectations, the book tells you it's okay to feel like crap, most mum's do, and does so in a very funny way.
Though it has taken me about 4 months to read (since I only get through about 5 pages a week on that rear occasion my son falls asleep in his pram long enough for me to order a coffee and get my book out) it is an easy one to pick up and put down. Since it is not a story, but a look back at both the highs and lows of motherhood.
An absolute must for all new mum's!