Scan barcode
A review by searser
Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
2.0
I found Ayelet Waldman’s memoirs to be heartfelt and genuine. I laughed and I cried. But I don’t relate to her Jewish heritage, I wholeheartedly disagree with her position on abortion, and I have so far turned out to be what she might describe as a ninny who actually likes to listen to Raffi with my daughter. The last chapters turned out to be quite liberal, and not much about motherhood. I guess I didn’t realize how conservative I am... This book opened my eyes about the kind of mother I am and the kind of person I want to be. And for that self-realization, I’m glad to have read this book.
I found a lot of truth in Waldman’s observations about mothers, particularly in the first few chapters. I have been judged by the same women who judged her. I’ve felt the same disapproving eyes when I’ve fed my baby from a bottle when everyone knows “breast is best.” But as I read on, I began to judge Waldman, too. In my opinion, she is the worst of mothers. And yet, it didn’t really make me feel any better about what kind of mother I am, and it didn’t convince me that I am a “good” mother by comparison.
Bad Mother only proved to me that Ayelet Waldman is a bad mother doing the best she thinks she can. Maybe this book is just her defense of how she has raised her children so far. And maybe that’s all we each can do. Ignoring the critics who are bound to chime in, go about mothering to the best of our abilities.
I found a lot of truth in Waldman’s observations about mothers, particularly in the first few chapters. I have been judged by the same women who judged her. I’ve felt the same disapproving eyes when I’ve fed my baby from a bottle when everyone knows “breast is best.” But as I read on, I began to judge Waldman, too. In my opinion, she is the worst of mothers. And yet, it didn’t really make me feel any better about what kind of mother I am, and it didn’t convince me that I am a “good” mother by comparison.
Bad Mother only proved to me that Ayelet Waldman is a bad mother doing the best she thinks she can. Maybe this book is just her defense of how she has raised her children so far. And maybe that’s all we each can do. Ignoring the critics who are bound to chime in, go about mothering to the best of our abilities.