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A review by chloeberg
The Other Mother: A Wickedly Honest Parenting Tale for Every Kind of Family by Jen Brister
5.0
It is important to point out before I start this review that I don't actually have kids but I do a) work with children and b) enjoy reading, so those are my main qualifications for this book review.
The first thing I'd like to say is that for the full experience of this book you really need to watch some of Jen Brister's comedy first (try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0eeKZqvC8Y). She has such a distinct way with words that once she's in your head she will continue to narrate not only the rest of the book for you but, probably, the rest of your life. You're welcome.
I really enjoyed this book. From the first few lines, everything about it is drenched in the love that Brister so obviously has for her family, which is beautiful. The way she writes highlights her love for them even when, at times, things are (quite literally) shitty, and you just can't underestimate how heartwarming and reassuring that is.
From the perspective of someone who doesn't have children, I can't comment on the love between a parent (biological or not) and their offspring, but what I can say is that Brister talks about relationships and forming bonds with people, in general, in a very candid and accessible way that leaves you feeling less alone, whether you are dealing with nappies and NCT groups in your day to day life or not.
She demonstrates the importance of support, the importance of being true to how you feel and of course, of finding the humour in any given situation... or at least being able to find it a few years down the line.
I like the fact that she is so open and honest in what she says, and I think that how she writes is completely different to what you will have read before, whether that be in non-fiction books such as self-help books or parenting guides or just listening to her do her stand up. There is a new level of honesty that is reached when you talk about your children's shit in black and white, printed, bound and on sale to the masses. And I think that's a testament to her confidence and competence as a parent that she is happy and feels secure enough to be able to talk about that, like how aware she is of her own limitations and how she uses not only her weaknesses but also her strengths to make you feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be to raise twins, regardless of any other hurdles or added complications that may come with anyone's personal situation, whether that be through IVF conception or prematurity or parental disagreements. Quite frankly, this book has given me a deeper appreciation for not only the parents that I work with but also of literally any parent that I see pushing a pram down the high street.
Also, there are definitely elements of this book that will work in a contraceptive capacity for many teens out there. So, definitely bear that in mind as a secondary use for this frankly hilarious take on what it means to be a parent in the 21st century.
The first thing I'd like to say is that for the full experience of this book you really need to watch some of Jen Brister's comedy first (try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0eeKZqvC8Y). She has such a distinct way with words that once she's in your head she will continue to narrate not only the rest of the book for you but, probably, the rest of your life. You're welcome.
I really enjoyed this book. From the first few lines, everything about it is drenched in the love that Brister so obviously has for her family, which is beautiful. The way she writes highlights her love for them even when, at times, things are (quite literally) shitty, and you just can't underestimate how heartwarming and reassuring that is.
From the perspective of someone who doesn't have children, I can't comment on the love between a parent (biological or not) and their offspring, but what I can say is that Brister talks about relationships and forming bonds with people, in general, in a very candid and accessible way that leaves you feeling less alone, whether you are dealing with nappies and NCT groups in your day to day life or not.
She demonstrates the importance of support, the importance of being true to how you feel and of course, of finding the humour in any given situation... or at least being able to find it a few years down the line.
I like the fact that she is so open and honest in what she says, and I think that how she writes is completely different to what you will have read before, whether that be in non-fiction books such as self-help books or parenting guides or just listening to her do her stand up. There is a new level of honesty that is reached when you talk about your children's shit in black and white, printed, bound and on sale to the masses. And I think that's a testament to her confidence and competence as a parent that she is happy and feels secure enough to be able to talk about that, like how aware she is of her own limitations and how she uses not only her weaknesses but also her strengths to make you feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be to raise twins, regardless of any other hurdles or added complications that may come with anyone's personal situation, whether that be through IVF conception or prematurity or parental disagreements. Quite frankly, this book has given me a deeper appreciation for not only the parents that I work with but also of literally any parent that I see pushing a pram down the high street.
Also, there are definitely elements of this book that will work in a contraceptive capacity for many teens out there. So, definitely bear that in mind as a secondary use for this frankly hilarious take on what it means to be a parent in the 21st century.