At the beginning of the month I had the opportunity to receive a free copy of The Mother of All Meltdowns before it was published, in exchange for an honest review of the book. Since reading it the first time I have both purchased and won a copy of MoAM. I’ve read it again and talked about it to many, many people. It’s more than funny, it’s real and it’s good. It’s more than what I expected and I would recommend it to all moms. And some dads. And anyone who is thinking of having kids. And anyone who doesn’t want kids, because some of these stories, well, they’re going to confirm your choices. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Did you ever have one of those days? You know what I’m talking about…the one where everything just goes wrong…or maybe everything goes right and one really big thing goes wrong? And you just lose your sh…um, cool?
Remember how nice it was that no one but the kids saw you or only the customer service rep on the other end of the line heard you?
Would you ever share that moment outside of your closest friends? Like over a couple of drinks so you could laugh (hopefully) and make fun of yourself and release some of the embarrassment in a controlled setting so you could feel a little better about the whole nasty scene?
Would you share it with the whole reading world?
If the thought of sharing your own private meltdown with everybody and their brother doesn’t sound like fun, then you have to witness first hand when others do.
Because it is fun when others do.
Knowing someone else has behaved the same or possibly worse than you…well, it just feels good to know you aren’t the only “drill sergeant†(like Marcia from Menopausal Mother) or “crazy mother who yells at doctors†(like Michelle from A Dish of Daily Life), or “backpack flinging lunatic” (like Angela from Writer Mom’s Blog) or even “panicked crazy lady who doesn’t want to admit she lost her wedding ring†(like Tamara from Tamara Like Camera.)
I, personally, am all of these moms. So I’m way more eager to share their stories with you than my own. Unless, of course, you’ve got wine, I’m easily persuaded.
When I received MoAM, I was pretty much expecting to laugh my way through the book. I expected light and embarrassing and very funny. I got exactly what I expected but I got so much more than that, too.
I got heart-breaking honesty from Alexa B (No Holding Back) and a slap of reality from Ginny Marie (Lemon Drop Pie). I’m sure Ginny’s story is funny for someone but for me I think she had a hidden camera in my house.
My favorite story, and I was having a tough time deciding all the way through the book – “this one’s my favorite, no…this one’s my favorite, no, wait…this one, yes, this one’s my favorite!†until I read Kristen’s. This one is my favorite. Kristen from Four Hens and a Rooster wrote my favorite story. I just read it again to be certain and I am. It’s my favorite.
What’s the big deal? Why’s it so special? It’s like many of the stories in the book, in that I can relate. As a mom, there are parts of me on display all through the stories of MoAM. But there’s just something about this story, there was no other that I related to more.
From dealing with attitude from our kids, being (probably even more than they are) excited for their new experiences, to breaking down when they knowingly hurt you and push you past your limits to, finally, knowing deep down that something is wrong and they are keeping it from you. She touches on some typical experiences but shares the emotion behind it. And that’s what you don’t always get.
You may see a mom snap or storm out of a room or speak sharply to their child but you don’t see her when she sits in the car with her hurt feelings and broken heart because “something is not right.â€
You need to read it. This story and all of the others because you will feel better after you do. You will feel like you just made 30 friends and you will want to email at least half of them to find out what happened next.
You will feel better because you will see that even that crazy, ridiculous circumstance that couldn’t possibly happen to anyone else…already happened to someone else. And it’s funny.
Next week I’ll be hosting a giveaway of The Mother of All Meltdowns when I post my own meltdown.
Thanks for reading today and check back (or subscribe) for the chance to win a copy for yourself!
Can’t wait to read this!
I meant every word I said, it’s good!
Thanks for a great review Steph! I loved Kristen’s story too. I’ve had that same experience with my teens and you put into words what I have felt!
You’re welcome! It doesn’t get any easier as they get older, does it?
Nope! I still have meltdowns. Luckily for you, you’ve even witnessed a few of mine! Hehe
Thank you so much Stephanie for the awesome review! You rock!
You’re welcome, it was my pleasure!
What an incredible review Stephanie!! Thank you so much for ‘getting it’- we are all in this thing together!!! (I’m the grilled cheese with no cheese girl!)
And it’s so good to know we aren’t alone, right! I loved your story, too – I wish I could have written something about each one of them!
Love this! Thank you. And I agree that it’s so hard to choose a favorite. It struck me that when pressed for an answer, I chose Urban Moo Cow’s story because it references her carrying her baby on her stomach, the way Professor Quirrell carried Voldemort in Harry Potter! Made me laugh for hours.
My next door neighbor is friends with her (Urban Moo Cow’s) sister, and her son loves Harry Potter! Small world huh? Everything’s related. And I did lose my wedding rings and 3 others but was not so lucky to have them ever be found. I waited 2 weeks to admit it and it was agony. It still is and it’s been 10 years. To this day I check pockets of old coats and clothes looking for them. And yes, I just admitted I need to get rid of some 10yo coats and clothes…
Thanks for the review, Stephanie! I think it makes things a bit easier when we realize that we’ve all been there!
It sure does! Thank you for sharing your story, I hate to admit I’ve overreacted to something I’ve misread, too. Glad it worked out in your favor.
Thank you for doing this review and your kind words.
Your story was so touching. My daughter is only 10 but we’ve already crossed off so many lasts. When they are babies it feels like they will be that way forever, only now am I beginning to realize just how fast time goes by.
Thank you so much for such a great review and for participating in the blog tour, Stephanie! It means a lot that you liked the book and have even bought additional copies! 🙂 I also loved Kristen’s story. She is an amazing role model.
I read your story with a pit in my stomach. I have two boys and I would have lost it over the ketchup and mustard. It bothers me to think about it now, you handled it way, way better than I could have.
Thanks for the awesome post/review and for the personal shout out to my story! The community around this meltdown momentum (I just totally made that catch phrase up) is the best part!
When I told my husband I was writing my own he asked what I would write about. I said, “I know I’ve got a lot but there’s this one story about a mom who freaks out and throws the backpacks and junk all over the floor from the couch…” and I was acting it out and we were both cracking up because, like I said, I share a similar story, he’s seen it happen. I’m really glad to know it’s not just me!
I love it! Meltdowns feel so isolating its fabulous to hear we are not alone!
I love it! LoL
Thank you so much for the awesome review!! I have been asked a few times which is my favorite story (other than mine) and I think I have given a different answer every time! 🙂 I loved Ginny Marie’s too because I have done that as well. Thanks again! (Now following you on FB & Twitter)
Thank you! I loved your “How much longer” question for the nurse. I asked the same thing, as if they have any idea. I’ll bet we aren’t the only two!!
I am in complete awe right now. Words can’t describe how much this means to me. Thank you so much for your words about my story. It actually brought a tear to my eye.. But don’t tell anyone. 🙂
Haha, my pleasure. This teen/tween thing is tough and I was cheering you on during the ex-boyfriend part. One of my biggest fears for any of my kids but especially my daughter to get mixed up in someone else’s issues.
Thanks for the awesome review, Stephanie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and appreciate you sharing your opinions. There were so many awesome stories in the book; I’m not sure if I could choose a favorite. I did love Norine’s Lego Stressland story and Tamara’s wedding ring debacle!
Your story…the pump, the “liquid gold”, sitting in the bathroom laughing. UGH! I don’t know how you did it!
Thank you so much for your honest review…and yes, I just may have put a hidden camera in your house! Except…I don’t know where you live…
Seriously, your comment about my story made me smile! I’m so glad you could relate to it because that’s the whole reason behind this book!
I’m glad you shared. Clothes and my daughter – I had to give it up for my own sanity!
Can’t wait to hear your meltdown story! Thanks for the great review!
Your story made me laugh, trying to get out of our preschool without a stop at the playground was nearly impossible!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Stephanie! You are right; it is so nice to read theses stories and know that you are not the only mom who goes through all of this! I loved Kristen’s story too – as the mom of a teenage girl I totally related. Can’t wait to read about your meltdown 🙂
Thanks Dana, before I post I have to clean up the language a bit – it’s a rough one.
Stephanie, I am finally catching up a bit tonight and was happy to see your review here. Thank you so much for the awesome review and seriously still have to pinch myself that I am a part of such an amazing book with so many fabulous bloggers. And so can’t wait now to read your meltdown story when you post it!! 🙂
Thanks Janine! Glad we’ve been able to connect through this and the contest!
What a great review! If I wasn’t in it or already read it, I would run and get it based on this. 🙂 Looking forward to reading your meltdown story.
Thank you! I hate the lying kids do, too! Your statement “back before travel sports when I used to make dinner” (I’m paraphrasing) made me laugh – that’s so exactly how we are.
That’s exactly what I said and so true, it’s embarrassing! I’m glad I’m not alone. 🙂 LOVED your meltdown story!
I can’t wait to finish the book – and now I REALLY can’t wait to get to Kristen’s story! Great review!
Her story hits on so many issues we deal with as they get older and when she finally gets her answer I got chills and got angry and loved what she wrote. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
We were fortunate to get a sneak peek at the book, too! We LOVE it! It is perfect for every mother out there who has ever had a bad day!-Ashley
Your review was great! Congrats on being “featured!” Very cool!
Sounds like a great read. I think its healthy to laugh at the crazy things we do. Its therapeutic!
It is and it really helps to know you aren’t alone! Thank you for stopping by my blog!
I love a good book that is so relatable! Sounds like a good read!
It is Bonnie, it’s fun and easy to read. And you will recognize yourself or someone you know on every page!
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