Book Blurbs 3
I haven’t posted here for some time because household things have been especially time-consuming lately, and I was also spending more time reading and researching for our series on churching. Anyway, I’m taking a quick break from that series to share some other semi-recent reads. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books!
Who wrote it? Natalie Carnes, associate professor of feminist theology and religion at Baylor University
What’s it about? A memoir of motherhood, and a kind of reimagining of Augustine’s Confessions
Something I appreciated: I really loved this book. A beautiful meditation on so many of the themes I want to explore in this newsletter. Definitely adding this one to my wish list so I can revisit it.
Something I’d critique: Really, I have very little to say for this bullet point for this book.
How is it relevant to Good News for New Moms? This is one of those somewhat rare books that exactly fits the niche of this newsletter, as it explores the identity-forming aspects of motherhood in the context of the Christian faith. Recommend (with thanks to Haley and Leah for recommending it to me!)
Who wrote it? Angela Garbes, a writer and mother
What’s it about? “A narrative nonfiction book exploring the emerging science and cultural myths of pregnancy”
Something I appreciated: As advertised, the juxtaposition of scientific research with heartfelt discussion of how we make sense of, and live with, the evidence culturally felt like a good balance to me. Also, though Garbes drew extensively from her own story, I felt that she avoided the common pitfall in this genre of overgeneralizing or projecting her own experiences.
Something I’d critique: The focus was mainly on physical bodies and experiences, so I might’ve enjoyed additional exploration of the intersection of physical, mental, and spiritual health. Also, being a popular-level book, it was relatively short on research: it’s interesting writing, but for hard data I’d consider it more of a gateway to exploring topics in more detail.
How is it relevant to Good News for New Moms? Though the book doesn’t really touch on faith or spirituality, its audience definitely overlaps with this newsletter’s, since many of us are interested in the science behind the physical experiences of motherhood.
Who wrote it? Also Angela Garbes.
What’s it about? The value, and devaluation of mothering—broadly defined as care work and especially raising children—in contemporary society
Something I appreciated: This book is so necessary. I don’t think we can talk too much about the “essential labor” of mothering.
Something I’d critique: Similar to Like a Mother, the lens of faith or spirituality was not discussed at length, so it would be interesting to add that angle. (Hmm, I’m finding it easier to say what I wish books had been about than to critique their actual substance…)
How is it relevant to Good News for New Moms? Again, there’s a lot of overlap in the target audiences for the book and this newsletter. Part of the journey into new motherhood is finding our new place in our community and society, and that’s in part what this book is about.