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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
There is a lot to think about and dissect. Terrifying reality.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
A very disturbing and thought provoking dystopian read which explored major themes regarding motherhood within American society. I found this to be quite an intense read and definitely not one I could do in one sitting but it was overall gripping and well written. Although it doesn’t measure up against Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale, it is certainly one to read if you are a fan!
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan imagines a world where mothers who are reported to CPS may be sent to a year-long training camp to learn how to be better mothers. It is a devastating look at how society treats mothers differently than fathers—the expectations are so much higher, and often conflicting and impossible to meet. Chan also does a good job showing how race, class, and age also play into these expectations, as the teenage moms and Black or Latina moms are seen as even less likely to succeed.
My issue with this book was the world-building. It required a tremendous suspension of disbelief to imagine this reality, even in 2025 in America. Maybe it’s just because I have a legal background, but I kept getting pulled out of the plot because of how unconstitutional the training camp’s operations were. I wish Chan had gone farther to create a more obviously dystopian version of America—perhaps one in which birth control is illegal, or women must be tested and licensed before being allowed to reproduce, or where women are no longer allowed to work or have bank accounts.
However, if you’re able to believe in Chan’s version of reality, The School of Good Mothers is an incredibly powerful read about the impossible demands of mothering.
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a rough read. The social commentary was gutting and VALID but I really hated almost every character including the main character. Like she didn’t deserve that insane punishment but she was still awful.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who is pretty set on not wanting children of my own, I am still fascinated by the way our society treats motherhood. It’s not great.
The unreachable standards of the School for Good Mothers are now in my nightmare material.
Not a 5 star review, as I loved the idea behind the novel and my personal discussions about the book, more than the reading the book itself. It kinda dragged on at points.
The unreachable standards of the School for Good Mothers are now in my nightmare material.
Not a 5 star review, as I loved the idea behind the novel and my personal discussions about the book, more than the reading the book itself. It kinda dragged on at points.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes