If you’re a mom, listen up.
Let’s admit it. We’ve all had those days. Those desperate days. Those days when we begin to feel like we’re drowning in daily duties and if anything can go wrong, it will.
Wendy Hagen understands that there are “those days.” She understands that motherhood is indeed a calling, but that it can be a taxing, exhausting, and confusing journey, too. And she’s packaged all of her thoughts on motherhood into one nice wrapped package, a book that every single mom on earth needs to read.
Did you hear me correctly?
Yes, that’s right: I firmly believe that every single mom (and mom-to-be) on the face of this earth needs to read Totally Desperate Mom: Keepin’ It Real in the Motherhood.
Hagen’s book opens with a horrific (yet humorous) story of a post-birth hemorrhoid experience. It only gets “better” from that point on. Every single “what to expect” during the early years of mommyhood are covered honestly and matter-of-factly as the chapters continue.
Moms of preschoolers and older kids will nod and chuckle knowingly at the painstaking attention to detail when it comes to the “mishaps” and misadventures of motherhood. From poopy diapers in not-so-ideal locations to the brutally honest words escaping from your child’s mouth to embarrass you just so, you’ll be sure to relate — as if you’re laughing and nodding along with a good pal over coffee.
And for those of you who are about to embark on this wonderful adventure called parenthood, there’s lots for you in here, too. There’s blatant detail about morning sickness in all of its necessary glory. You’ll learn all about those early, bleary-eyed first days at home with a newborn, what Hagen refers to “the black hole.” You’ll gain reassurance that hormones will indeed be raging, and that so many things are…yes, really….normal.
And there’s special attention given to those who are unable to conceive or have lost a child. Infertility and child loss are discussed candidly yet compassionately, as Hagen herself is very familiar with both.
Hagen is a devout Christian and speaks openly about her dependence on her faith as a mom….but she holds (and I agree) that Totally Desperate Mom seamlessly applies to women and moms of all faiths.
I give this book five stars….five-and-a-half, if I could. It’s a book that I laughed with, cried with. It’s a book that I most definitely wish I could have owned and read six years ago, as I was expecting our firstborn and still so naive and clueless about what lay ahead.
It’s a book you’ll read and love and want to share with all of your mommy (and pregnant) friends. You’ll love Wendy’s subtle (and not-so-subtle) humor and her lighthearted look at life, at being a mom. You’ll feel better understood, more confident, and definitely less “alone.”
You can order Totally Desperate Mom directly from Wendy’s website for $12 — or pre-order it from Amazon.com. (It will be available there on or before August 3rd, 2010.)
Win it! Wendy has graciously given me an extra SIGNED copy of Totally Desperate Mom to give to one of my readers!
Here’s how to enter:
1) MANDATORY: In a comment below, tell me why you’d love to read this book!
2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!
I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Congrats to the winner, #32, Tracy!
FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
dianad (1 year ago)
I’d love to give this to my daughter-in-law to read as she has 2 very active boys. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway
dianad (1 year ago)
I am an email subscriber. THanks
abi (1 year ago)
I love reading humorous stories on motherhood. Only a mother could understand. This sounds like one of those books. I’d love to win it thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
abi (1 year ago)
email subscriber
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Jennifer T (1 year ago)
I’d love to win this book because like you said ALL moms have these kinds of days. I need all the help I can get with three young children. Most days I feel like I’m going batty! Reading humorous stories would make my days go much smoother I believe. Thanks for a chance!
tibbsx5 at yahoo dot com
Jennifer T (1 year ago)
I am friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook. (Jennifer Tibbitts)
tibbsx5 at yahoo dot com
Rita M (1 year ago)
I would love to gift this to my daughter who is pregnant with her first baby.
Kimberly (1 year ago)
I would love to win this because it has humor and tells it like it really is.
Kimberly (1 year ago)
Feed subscriber.
Kimberly (1 year ago)
Facebook friend of yours
Ashley (1 year ago)
I would love to read this book because I am a mom and I find it quite humorous to find myself going through some of the things that I do as a mom. I also love to read and I love to laugh. This book sounds like it would fit the bill.
Ashley (1 year ago)
I am a subscriber by e-mail.
Nicole C. (1 year ago)
I want to read this because I love reading books about mom’s going through the same things that I am!
tara (1 year ago)
i’d love to win this book because as a first time mom I always get really frusterated and wonder if anyone else has these days.
tara (1 year ago)
i’m already a subcriber of ur feed
tara (1 year ago)
i’m friends with u on FB
tara (1 year ago)
tweeted! http://twitter.com/princessnfrogss/statuses/19077230809
Liza (1 year ago)
We’re hoping for a little one soon and I NEED this advice–no helpful girlfriends around…..
Thanks for the chance to win!
–Liza
ejm6x (at) yahoo (dot) com
Cami (1 year ago)
Yesterday was definitely a desperate day for me. I cried from exhaustion just from taking care of my two kids–ages 2 years and 4 months. I love this review and want to read the book now. If I could win it, even better!
camialane@gmail.com
Denise S (1 year ago)
I’m sure I could totally relate to this book!
Mozi Esmes Mom (1 year ago)
I’m totally desperate – I think I could relate!
We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/07/totally-desperate-mom.html
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Tammy S. (1 year ago)
I’ve been hunting some good mommy advice books!! I would love to win this one!
Tammy S. (1 year ago)
I subscribed through e-mail.
Tammy S. (1 year ago)
I sent a friend request to Muse Reviews on facebook.
Denise S (1 year ago)
I’m an email subscriber
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
Annette W (1 year ago)
Wow. I think this sounds perfect. I’d love to read it…and then pass it on to my THREE pregnant sisters!
donna s (1 year ago)
there are times where you can be frustrated and you feel you are the only mom in a situation. you always need a good humorous book to get you through a day and to let you know there are others like you
donna s (1 year ago)
facebook fan
donna s (1 year ago)
i am subscribed to your emails
Linda Kish (1 year ago)
I love to read humorous stories about the trials of raising kids.
trish rowell (1 year ago)
I would love to get this book for my sister who is getting ready to have her first baby. thanks
Tracy (1 year ago)
I would love to read this book for the title alone. Then, I read your description and I was completely hooked. This sounds like such a cute book and realistic. I am a stay at home mom to a 2 and 3 year old and can definitely use the laughs and wisdom
Tracy (1 year ago)
I just sent a friend request on FB (Tracy Guenther)
Holly Miller (1 year ago)
i would love to read this book because i’m sure it offers a lot of humorous insight to motherhood. also i have 2 little boys(4 & 2) so i could always use a good laugh!
Holly Miller (1 year ago)
also added muse to friends on facebook
Melissa M. (1 year ago)
It’s good to remember sometimes that I don’t have to be a “perfect” parent.
sarah t (1 year ago)
i would love to read this because i have days that aren’t so great and would love to know it’s not me it’s just motherhood
abi (1 year ago)
I’d love to read this book because I’m a desperate mom.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
abi (1 year ago)
I’m a subscriber and follower
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Kathy Scott (1 year ago)
The cover tells it all. The reality of motherhood.
Keilann (1 year ago)
Since my morning started out as “one of those days” I would really love to read this book! I enjoy reading other people’s honest forthcoming perspectives on motherhood because it makes me realize that I am not alone in this crazy-hood!
Ed Nemmers (1 year ago)
For my neighbor!
Louis (1 year ago)
I love reading about mom approved tips
Louis (1 year ago)
I subscribed to your feed via mail (same as in my profile / this post)
Louis (1 year ago)
friend on FaceBook (Louis Here)
Louis (1 year ago)
here is my tweet
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/19690377426
shawna (1 year ago)
Sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
emily l (1 year ago)
I’m around a lot of ‘perfect’ moms, and I think this would be refreshing to read.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
cynthia layton (1 year ago)
im curently drowning in housework
Twee Poppets (1 year ago)
I’d love to read this because it looks very funny!
TweePopACap@gmail.com