I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Momoir: A New Mom’s Journey to Embracing Her Not-So-Perfect Motherhood by Alyssa DeRose Published by Koehler Books Format: Paperback
Source: Provided by author for honest review
“Have kids,” they said. “It will be the best thing that ever happened to you,” they encouraged. In therapy, on the cusp of a mental breakdown caused by a sleep defying baby, Alyssa DeRose listens as her therapist (read: paid best friend) finally puts her version of the truth into words: “It’s okay if becoming a mother was both the best and worst thing to ever happen to you.” Alyssa now welcomes fellow women into the brutal and transformational season of life called new motherhood, inviting us to reflect on our own flawed stories of motherhood and offering needed permission to embrace our imperfection. Written from the trenches of her daily life, MOMOIR: A New Mom’s Journey to Embracing Her Not-So-Perfect Motherhood
provides a front-row seat to Alyssa’s struggles with motherhood—through miscarriage and postpartum depression and marital stress and a surprise second baby. She shares her colorful story with authenticity, faith, and a healthy dose of levity, three ingredients she has learned every mother needs to survive.
Julie’s Review:
Momoir is what it sounds like, a memoir about motherhood. Alyssa DeRose shares with us her hopes and fears and struggles and triumphs as a new mom. From a pregnancy loss, to a strong-willed child, to a surprise. Sharing her journey through motherhood with fellow moms helps us all feel like we are not alone. We may have different experiences, but the tribe of motherhood is one and the same – we hurt, we feel so many emotions, we struggle, we rejoice.
Alyssa DeRose shares her experience through motherhood and faith – so there’s your warning if that’s not your cuppa.
This is a great read for a new mom or a mom-to-be. It will open your heart to how imperfect motherhood is, and show you that you can do it, one step at a time, and ditching all the shoulds and unreasonable expectations.
I leave you with a quote:
“And trust me, she’s just as tired as you are. And in need of some adult conversation.
Whatever our vision of what motherhood was supposed to be, I’m accepting that it’s just a mirage. It doesn’t exist.
It’s a whole lot messier, isn’t it?
It’s hard, and it’s awesome. It’s grating and it’s revelatory.”
Keep reading for your chance to win a copy!
Q&A with Alyssa DeRose
Author of “Momoir: A New Mom’s Journey to Embracing Her Not-So-Perfect Motherhood”
Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: I first started writing as an outlet for my own healing journey after suffering severe postpartum depression, but as the essays poured out of me, I saw a book taking shape. I knew that my struggle with becoming a mom wasn’t unique, but I had to decide if I was brave enough to be vulnerable and share it. And I’m so glad I did it! The messages I’m receiving from other mamas who have needed to know they weren’t alone has made it 100% worth going scared.
Q: When did you become a mother?
A: I became a mom about 4.5 years ago at the age of 30.
Q: What were you expectations of being a new mom vs the realities?
A: I was not expecting not to like parts of it. I knew that my life was about to radically change, but I just assumed it would be awesome and I’d naturally fall into the role. When I found that it wasn’t awesome and I wasn’t a natural, I thought I was a terrible human and a failure of a mother. I wish I had had a better understanding of what was headed my way and more self-acceptance for the varying ways you can be an awesome mother.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to a new(ish) mom?
A: It’s okay to not be okay. There will be elements of motherhood that will kick you in the teeth; I think that’s pretty much guaranteed. And when that happens, it’s okay to need help. Just ask for it, ok??
Q: What is one word you would use to describe motherhood?
A: Redefining
Q: How has the pandemic changed you as a mother?
A: As an anxiety warrior, I tend to run a little hot when it comes to worry. So you can imagine how a pandemic rocked my world back in March. But I have learned from this season that my kids are taking all of their cues from us. Need to wear a mask? No biggie; Mom and Dad are doing it too. Need to stop seeing friends? It’s okay; we have an awesome day planned with just us! Need to call Nana on Facetime? Isn’t it so special that we can always talk to her even when there are germs?
My kids are still young enough that all they need to feel secure in their world is ME (and my husband, of course). So even though there are more external stressors than ever on us adults, if I focus my energy on creating a safe space for my kids, we all seem to be more at peace.
GIVEAWAY
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About the Author
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I would like this for my daughter in law .
Thanks, Tony!