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Give Me 5: Must-Read Books to Spark New Conversations About Motherhood

Give Me Five
MUST-READ BOOKS TO SPARK NEW CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MOTHERHOOD

By: Shannon Kaiser | September 19, 2024

Motherhood is often portrayed one-dimensionally as a joyful condition brimming with love, pride, and enthusiastic selflessness. However, a welcome trend in contemporary fiction is challenging these depictions with something more nuanced, honest, and raw. These recent titles grapple with the hardships and realities of mothering—ambivalence over whether or not to have a child, the despair of postpartum depression, identity loss, worries about "measuring up”, and the intensity of these feelings of love and connection. This list isn't meant to be grim, but to highlight voices willing to examine motherhood with candor and openness and create new conversations about this transformational experience. Here are some great choices to enjoy this fall:

1. "Nightbitch" by Rachel Yoder (2021)

Synopsis: In this surreal and darkly comic novel, a stay-at-home mother begins to believe she's turning into a dog. The story explores the primal, animalistic side of motherhood and the identity crisis that can accompany it. A bold and unsettling look at the intense emotions and desires that can surface during motherhood.

Why Read It: "Nightbitch" offers a wild, imaginative exploration of the more chaotic and instinctual aspects of motherhood, making it a thought-provoking read.

2. "The Push" by Ashley Audrain (2021)

Synopsis: This psychological thriller delves into the fears and doubts of motherhood, particularly the terrifying question: What if you don't love your child? Blythe Connor's experiences challenge the idealization of motherhood and confront the taboo subject of a mother’s ambivalence towards her child.

Why Read It: For its gripping narrative and the way it tackles the darker, often unspoken fears of motherhood, "The Push" is sure to spark deep discussions.

3. "Breast and Eggs" by Mieko Kawakami (2020)

Synopsis: This novel explores the complexities of womanhood and motherhood in contemporary Japan, following three women as they navigate issues of fertility, body image, and societal expectations. An unflinching look at the physical and emotional tolls of motherhood.

Why Read It: Kawakami’s novel provides a culturally rich perspective on the challenges and expectations surrounding motherhood, making it an insightful read.

4. "Motherhood" by Sheila Heti (2018)

Synopsis: This introspective novel is a philosophical exploration of the choice of whether or not to become a mother. The protagonist wrestles with societal pressures, personal desires, and existential questions surrounding motherhood.

Why Read It: "Motherhood" is perfect for readers interested in deep, reflective discussions about the societal expectations placed on women and the freedom to choose one’s path.

5. "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan (2022)

Synopsis: In a dystopian world where mothers are judged and punished for every parenting misstep, Frida Liu, a struggling single mother, is sent to a government reform school for inadequate mothers. The narrative examines the pressures and scrutiny placed on mothers and the societal obsession with "perfect" parenting.

Why Read It: This chilling dystopia mirrors real-world anxieties around parenting perfection, offering a unique and provocative perspective on the pressures of motherhood.

These titles offer a fresh and honest look at motherhood, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to engage in meaningful conversations about this life-altering experience.

Shannon lives in Tiburon with her husband, Rolf; four kids, Will, Isla, Luke and Dylan; and a crazy dog, Teddy. When Shannon is not busy volunteering (this year she is serving as the Director of Communications/Editor of the Crier) or chauffeuring her kids around, she enjoys getting out on the water sailing, reading (the same page over and over again), cooking (food that no one eats) and enjoying the beauty of life in Marin. She would love to hear from you at smmcshannon@gmail.com.