A review by javafenn
Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I did not want this book to end! I literally just finished listening and I’m hungry for more! I’m sad, I’m actually sad it ended! It is so hard to find a book that shares a story of very close female friendship that doesn’t have some stupid dollop of unnecessary drama or one character doing something so out of character just for drama. Lauren is put together and a single mom 24/7 to her adorable daughter Addy. She is also kind of a doormat who never sticks up for herself. Thankfully she has Jude who is always there to back her up, stick up for her, give her necessary pep talks, and unwavering love to both Lauren and Addy. Jude is also a HOT mess! Her father passed away and her mother had gone off the deep end as a washed up Real Housewife. She is toxic and emotionally abusive to Jude. While Jude tries (unsuccessfully) to hide her excessive drinking to deal with her mother’s antics Lauren is trying to cope with her ex swooping in and deciding her wants full custody of her child they share. The child has hasn’t had much to do with until his new wife (a true gem of this story!) comes into his life. Lauren fears losing her daughter and Jude fears being vulnerable with Lauren. This all comes to a head at a prominent play date where Jude is watching Addy while Lauren goes to a dream panel about their podcast. This book is believable. The custody story is frightfully believable. The very close friendship is believable. I have friends who are kind of a mess but would go to the end of the world for me and my kids and be my “sister wife” roommate if I needed it. Jude’s alcoholism and toxic relationships feel so real! The downfall of their relationship felt real and how it was managed afterwards felt real. Nothing felt gratuitous or overly done. It was so nice to have a book about friends that’s positive and ends positively. It also touches on racial struggles of a Black woman and how a White woman should listen to what her friend says about racial inequality. I really just love this book and I almost want to demand more!! 
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