Momnesia [Paperback]

Lori Verni-Fogarsi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2012

She's smart, pretty, and runs her own business. So then why does she feel so dead inside? Between work, two kids, and a husband who finds her about as exciting as furniture shopping, this is the story of a (formerly-exciting but now way-too-typical) suburban mom who diagnoses herself with Momnesia and sets about finessing a new version of her old vivaciousness:

Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by pregnancy, play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.

She finds some adventure pursing her own interests, and does make some new friends (including the battery operated variety), but still feels like nothing more than a caretaker.

In between dealing with her husband's manic-depresssive behavior, drama with her friends, and some naughty Internet escapades, she ponders, Is it that I haven't been myself? Or is it that I am being myself, but just different than I used to be?

It isn't until she tosses the Invisible Rule Book altogether, that she discovers life--and love--have more to offer than she ever imagined!

With custom-painted cover art that perfectly epitomizes the struggle of finding balance between "momminess" and "sexiness," Momnesia is a must read for anyone who has ever been a mother, had a mother, wanted to be a mother, judged a mother, or even just wondered about mothers. A great gift book, too!

Editorial Reviews

Review

USA Best Book Awards finalist.

Early reviewers have said:

"Fun and feisty!"

"Thought provoking and funny... told in a voice that's like chatting with a friend."

"A wonderful journey laced with humor and reality. A recommended read!" --Brickstone Publishing

"[Momnesia] is about being a good mom without losing yourself in the process... the author tackles the subject with humor and gets you thinking about a worthwhile subject--yourself." --The Boston Globe (Lifestyle/Moms)

"This summer's hot novel!" --Carolina Today Show

National Indie Excellent Book Awards, Finalist, 2012! --Ellen Reid, President, National Indie Excellence Awards

About the Author

Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and small business consultant since 1995. She has been featured in media including "Lifetime Women's Network," the "My Carolina Today Show," and "Boston Globe Forums Live." Her public speaking has occurred at many prestigious venues including "North Carolina State University," "Nassau Community College," and many more.

She has received two awards for her novel, "Momnesia," and her nonfiction, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs," continues to be one of the most highly recommended in its genre since 2005.

Lori is a happy married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. She is very excited about her newest release, "Unexpecting," and enjoys getting to know her readers via social media and in person.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, boating, napping, attending her childrens' various activities, and traveling with her husband. Originally a native New Yorker, Lori now divides her time between Raleigh, NC, and Lake Gaston, VA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Brickstone Publishing; First edition (March 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984028463
• ISBN-13: 978-0984028467
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (62 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,138,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and small business consultant since 1995. She has been featured in media including "Lifetime Women's Network," the "My Carolina Today Show," and "Boston Globe Forums Live." Her public speaking has occurred at many prestigious venues including "North Carolina State University," "Nassau Community College," and many more.

She has received two awards for her novel, "Momnesia," and her nonfiction, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs," continues to be one of the most highly recommended in its genre since 2005.

Lori is a happy married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. She is very excited about the release of "Unexpecting," and enjoys getting to know her readers via social media and in person. She invites you to learn more at www.LoriTheAuthor.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars LOL, true-to-life, and worth the read! March 23, 2012

By The Paperback Pursuer

Format:Kindle Edition

Description:

How was your life before you met Mr. Right, (or Mr. Wrong)? Were you a different person before you "settled down" and had a couple kids? Do you have time for friends, fun, and fantasy anymore? Or is your time taken up by rocking babies, packing lunches, grocery shopping, laundry day, meal planning, yo-yo dieting, changing diapers, and making sure everyone else is satisfied? When do you have time for you?...

These are the questions that one mom wants answered. She's hot, smart, and knows how to get the job done, but why does she feel so hollow? Her business is booming, her two kids are great, her husband is... nice, but she finds herself sitting in a parking lot wondering how she got there, whether she should get divorced, and if she even knows who she is anymore. She has a serious case of "Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) - noun- Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by pregnancy, play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses." Can this mom take herself off autopilot and find herself, her laughter, and her passion, to become the person she wants to be?

Review:

This book left me feeling anything but "cat-faced"! I am not a wife or a mother, but I do have experience with feeling overwhelmed by work, family, and "me time"; I can honestly say that it is easy to lose sight of yourself and your goals when you have other things on-your-plate. After reading the first few pages of Momnesia, I knew that I was going to love it! Lori Verni-Fogarsi's writing style is funny, feisty, freeing, and full of life! I found her characters well-developed and real enough to identify and sympathize with, especially the main character and the friends she met along the way. Reading this book was like having a glass of wine with a couple good girlfriends and telling it like it is- life, love, ups, downs, and everything in-between. The dialogue was anything but monotone - except for the husband of course - and the details about marriage, motherhood, and momnesia made me nod my head and laugh-out-loud. I even recommended it to my mother, aunt, and grandmother and they agree with me! I cannot wait until Lori Verni-Fogarsi's next book, Gramnesia, comes out - and hopefully I will get to review that too!!! Highly recommended for anyone wanting a sneak peak into marriage and motherhood, those who have been through it, and those who want some zest with their Chick-lit! Great for book clubs and for Mother's Day!!!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Brickstone Publishing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars We can escape the bonds of Momnesia!! February 21, 2012

By Lynanne Fowle

Format:Paperback

Momnesia is a great read for women of all ages... not just women who have lost their personal identity due to the total eclipse of motherhood. It's a wonderful lesson for young women to learn BEFORE they introduce marriage and children into their lives, and for older women whose children may already be off on their own and now need to rediscover themselves. I could really identify with suburban life and the Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde personality of some of the lead character's neighbors. Reading this book also helped me realize that I was trapped in a Momnesia cycle of my own and needed to make a few changes to reclaim my identity and take ownership of what I feel is important in my life and my relationships. What a refreshing look at marriage, parenting, and the obligation women have to stay true to themselves in the process!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Funny Mom Read August 2, 2012

By CNHY1980

Format:Paperback

I received this book (Kindle version) from the author in return for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed most parts of the book. I had to skip the through "Little Guy 1 and 2", they were getting annoying. I love how I could relate to different elements in the book. Though I am truly lucky not to have a marriage like that, I know many who have and I feel like I got a little more insight into how they feel. It also made me thankful for what I do have.

Momnesia is a perfect word. Being a mom is truly a blessing but we forget who we are while trying to foster our children into being independent people who are grounded and amazing all at once. I took away from this book an understanding that remembering me and what I love and continuing those interests makes me a better mom and wife. I don't want my daughter thinking Momnesia is okay and something to strive for.

I am in another book club and am going to recommend this book to them. I was not able to attend the Momnesia party that was attached to this book club's reading but would love to attend or host one in the future.