Between Interruptions : Thirty Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood edited by Cori Howard
Published by Key Porter Books
Pages: 328
Buy It: Amazon Kindle | Author’s Website – Print Copy
Publishers Summary:
Most mothers don’t have time for long conversations. They may want them, crave them, begin them again and again, but they are constantly interrupted by kids, partners, work and the day-to-day of busy lives. Between Interruptions is a remarkable collection of original essays by Canadian writers that explores what is unspoken, cut off or lost in those interrupted conversations. Between Interruptions asks what becomes of us when our children’s lives interrupt our own. What prayers, what cries, what taboo thoughts are suddenly left unspoken? Marina Jimenez struggles with her decision to return to her job as a journalist—in a war zone. Carrie-Anne Moss lets us into her home during her self-imposed, forty-day seclusion after the birth of her first son. Chantal Kreviazuk learns to surrender to the limitations of motherhood. Joanna Streetly struggles to find a balance between protecting and letting go. Elizabeth Renzetti and Karrina Onstad search for friends in mommyland. And Estee Klar-Wolfond finds perfection in autism. Provocative, funny and honest, Between Interruptions highlights the differences and similarities between mothers today and generations past. It is, without a doubt, a conversation worth having.
Life after children is often something that takes most women completely by surprise. No matter the classes attended, books read and advice from friends nothing ever fully prepares you for those days of self-discovery. In Between Interruptions mothers from all walks of life share their honest and open experiences about this ever changing territory. Their stories range from hilarious to introspective, but their overarching theme remains the same…motherhood is an undiscovered country with a constantly changing environment that requires no less than what each mother has to offer, individually, for their own children and family.
Between Interruptions was a book I picked up because, well, I’m a mother. It goes without saying that I had an immediate interest in relating to other mothers who may have potentially been in my very shoes. As the publishers summary states, “most mothers don’t have time for long conversations”, and perhaps that’s part of the reason why I read so much. Reading is easily accessible, easy to stop and pick up, and it’s something I enjoy promoting to my children. That being said I love the opportunity to gather with friends and fellow mothers to chat about anything from our children to politics (yes, politics). So Between Interruptions was a no-brainer for me and I’m glad I picked it up.
Though I didn’t relate to or even connect with all or many of the mothers in the book I was still able to appreciate each of their stories individually. Before having children I think I was as naive as most of the women in the book, thinking that parenting would be a breeze. I’d simply tote along kiddos to whatever function or I’d get a sitter when needed. Well, surprise surprise my children completely changed the landscape of my life. The Turkeybird, though delightful and one of the two greatest blessings I’ve ever received was/is much more difficult than I could have imagined. He didn’t sleep through the night until almost nine months old, at eighteen months devoured books like candy leaving me at a loss as to how to stimulate him and certainly wasn’t interested in interacting with other children let alone a sitter. His medical diagnosis of Hyperlexia seemed to only bring more questions than answers. All of this aside, I became and am still becoming a different person than I ever thought I’d be. Though it’s been the most difficult transition of my life, motherhood is something I’m growing into and allowing myself to swim in.
Many of the stories that I connected with the most in Between Interruptions were much like my own. For example Carol Shaben’s story and how she related her life to the birth of her son by C-Section was inspiring. She quotes the words of famous American artist Charles DuBois toward the end of her essay:
“The important thing is this: To be able at any moment be able to sacrifice what we are for what we want to be.” (p. 59, Between Interruptions by Cori Howard)
It’s not the first time I’d read the quote, but in the context and feeling connected to this other mother I’ve never met before it became something more. It was stories like Carol’s that gave me that feeling that I’m not alone in this effort, which most of the time is all we need as mothers. A kind word, a phone call, an email or a short story from someone who knows the complexities surrounding the world we live in today as mothers. Now, obviously not all of these stories were like this and some of them quite honestly irritated me. Many of the writers were former journalists either in print or television media of some sort and many lived a life I only dreamed about. That being said, another thing I’ve learned since becoming a mother is to be less judgmental, to know that no one’s experience is the same and certainly of no less value than my own. Though perhaps I didn’t connect with all of the mothers I did connect with quite a few and I absolutely learned something from each one.
Between Interruptions by Cori Howard is a wonderful collection of essays that sheds light on the often difficult but joyous experiences of motherhood. With the demands we place on each other in this day and time mothers need connection, a shoulder to rest on and a listening ear. Each of the stories contained in Between Interruptions will leave readers with a sense of understanding and a feeling of peace knowing they aren’t alone in their experiences. As a mother who is still on her journey to becoming, it was wonderful to find these connections I have with fellow women for one reason or another and I’d certainly recommend Between Interruptions to friends and fellow mothers.
The1stdaughter Recommends: Perfect for mothers with children of all ages. You’ll laugh and reflect on your own experiences as you read about the lives of these incredible mothers.
Find Between Interruptions : Thirty Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood edited by Cori Howard at the following spots:
Amazon Kindle | Author’s Website – Print Copy | Goodreads
Follow the TLC Tour for other fantastic reviews and giveaways of Between Interruptions:
Monday, January 2nd: A Musing Reviews
Wednesday, January 4th: Acting Balanced
Monday, January 9th: Seaside Book Nook
Wednesday, January 11th: Overstuffed
Thursday, January 12th: Just Another Mommy Blog
Monday, January 16th: Juggling Life
Wednesday, January 18th: Get Healthy with Heather
Monday, January 23rd: Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Tuesday, January 24th: From Tracie
Wednesday, January 25th: Red Headed Book Child
Thursday, January 26th: There’s a Book
Thank you so much to the author and publisher in connection with TLC Book Tours for providing a copy of this book for review and giveaway! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
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Posted on January 30th, 2012 by the1stdaughter
Posted in Book Events, Year of the Picture Book | 4 Comments »
