Books matching: motherhood complexities
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Maggie Nelson's 'The Argonauts' is an extraordinary memoir exploring a complicated relationship, trans fluidity, sexuality, identity, gender, and motherhood. Nelson seamlessly blends personal history, social criticism, and critical theory in a captivating reflection on sexuality, love, art, and motherhood. The book delves into the intimate details of Nelson's relationship with Harry Dodge, a transgender partner, while also waxing eloquently on writing, books, authors, and notable quotes. The narrative jumps around to discuss pregnancy, gender fluidity, child rearing, stalking, and other topics, offering a provoking look at identity, family, love, and emotion.
October, 2007. The Santa Ana winds are shredding the bark off the eucalyptus trees in long white stripes. A friend and I risk the widowmakers by having lunch outside, during which she suggests I tatto... - #2
Save:"Making Babies" by Anne Enright is a collection of short pieces that provide an insightful, subjective account of motherhood in the early stages. The writing style is often funny, always tender, and delightfully fresh. The author's dry wit and precise observations resonate with readers, offering a different perspective on motherhood that feels like being on a road trip with a smart friend, dishing and laughing along the way.
Despite being about motherhood, the narrative of "Making Babies" lacks emotion for some readers, leading to disappointment. Some readers find the book to be a mix of amusingly written short pieces from twenty years ago, while others feel that the book starts off strong but loses its charm as it progresses, becoming rambling, confusing, and disjointed.
- #3
Save:'The Perfect Mother' by Aimee Molloy follows a group of new mothers known as the May Mothers who gather regularly to discuss the challenges of motherhood. When one of the babies is kidnapped after a night out, the group becomes obsessed with solving the crime, leading to the uncovering of secrets and suspicions among the members. The book alternates between different women's perspectives, exploring themes of motherhood, postpartum depression, and the complexities of female relationships. As the suspense builds, the truth behind the abduction is gradually revealed, keeping readers guessing until the end.
To: May Mothers From: Your friends at The Village Date: July 4 Subject: Today’s advice Your toddler: Fourteen months In honor of the holiday, today’s advice is about independence. Do you notice that y... - #4
Save:'Leave Me' by Gayle Forman follows the story of Maribeth Klein, a magazine editor and mother of twins who experiences a heart attack. Feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated, Maribeth decides to leave her family to focus on her own well-being. The book delves into Maribeth's journey of self-discovery and healing as she navigates through finding her birth mother and coming to terms with her past. The writing style of the book is described as emotionally engaging, with believable characters, witty prose, and an intriguing plot that keeps readers hooked until the end.
Those first twinges in her chest, however, were more a heaviness than a pain, and she did not immediately think heart. She thought indigestion, brought on by the plate of greasy Chinese food she’d eat... - #5
Save:'It Felt Like a Kiss' by Sarra Manning is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Ellie Velvet and her journey towards finding love and happiness. The book alternates between Ellie's present-day life in 2013 and flashbacks to her mother's past in 1986 and 1987. Ellie, working at an art gallery for Vaughn, navigates through relationships, including a complicated one with lawyer David Gold. The book explores themes of love, family dynamics, and overcoming personal baggage, all set in the vibrant backdrop of London and Paris.
- #6
Save:The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth is a poignant novel that intertwines the lives of Anna, a woman with early onset Alzheimer's disease, and Eve, a young widow who starts working at the assisted living facility where Anna resides. The story delves into themes of love, loss, memory, and human connection as Anna and Eve navigate their challenging circumstances while forming unexpected bonds with each other and the residents of Rosalind House.
No one trusts anything I say. If I point out, for example, that the toast is burning or that it’s time for the six o’clock news, people marvel. How about that? It is time for the six o’clock news. Wel... - #7
Save:Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong is a collection of letters written to her daughters, sharing intimate details about her life, career, family, and experiences. The book offers a mix of brutal honesty, humor, and heartfelt moments, providing insight into her upbringing, cultural background, and relationships. Wong's writing style is described as raunchy, graphic, and unapologetic, showcasing her comedic talent and ability to balance humor with more serious topics.
Even before your father and I got married, I felt like it was time to start trying for a baby. I had family and friends go through expensive and grueling fertility treatments. Some were successful and... - #8
Save:The Stolen Child by Lisa Carey is a dark and enchanting tale set on a cloistered island in the Irish sea, where powerful women, fairy folk, myths, and legends intertwine. The story follows the lives of the island's inhabitants, delving into themes of motherhood, hope, desperation, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The writing style is described as lyrical, lilting, and evocative of the Irish language and culture, drawing readers into a world where reality and magic blend seamlessly.
The plot of The Stolen Child revolves around the relationships between the characters, particularly the two sisters, as they navigate generational curses, harsh living conditions, superstitions, and the influence of the fae. The book explores deep emotions, dark themes, and the impact of the past on the present, creating a captivating narrative that weaves together elements of fantasy, folklore, and human resilience.
- #9
Save:'Ariel' by Sylvia Plath is a collection of poems that delves into themes of depression, suicide, feminism, and personal struggles. The writing style is described as raw, emotional, and filled with vivid imagery that captures the author's inner turmoil and dark emotions. The poems are seen as a reflection of Plath's mental state and personal experiences, exploring topics like family relationships, mental illness, and societal expectations.
- #10
Save:The final book of the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante, 'The Story of the Lost Child' delves into the lifelong friendship between Elena and Lila, spanning from their 30s to their 60s. The story follows their marriages, divorces, motherhood, and successes, all while living in the same Naples neighborhood with a history of violence and crime. The series explores the complex relationship between the two women, touching on themes of tragedy, parenting, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of Italy's cultural and political landscape.
Ferrante's writing style in 'The Story of the Lost Child' is described as emotionally impactful, with intricate details and compelling character development. The narrative is praised for its honesty in dissecting friendships, relationships, and life decisions, making the story feel both universal and personal. The series is commended for its exploration of themes like feminism, Italian politics, and the characters' growth as they navigate through life's complexities.
Raffaella Cerullo, called Lina, or Lila. She was born in August, 1944, and is sixty-six when she disappears from Naples without a trace. At the age of sixteen, she marries Stefano Carracci, but during...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Neapolitan Novels )
