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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read it Twice...and probably will again..., April 12, 2007
This review is from: My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey (Hardcover)
I have read this book twice..once in April and again in August. Both times it spoke to me. First off, it is from the Christian life view perspective. So not having that perspective would probably make the book less helpful, although it might offer some insight into how that perspective can help.
As another reviewer noted, the book does end with the dream of a "hunky" man, and I agree with her criticism, that a "hunky" man is not the end goal. That said, I think the principle of a spiritually (emotionally healthy) "hunky" man or NO MAN AT ALL, it a great perspective. ie..don't settle. Don't make a mistake out of weakness.
What touched me and spoke to me most about this book was the kids. It IS about them. It is about being a "groovy" mom and having a rich life FOR THEM! (As well as for yourself.) And then some very practical insights into how that might look.
I agree, that her work life is very idealistic and not what the rest of us live and that part is hard to relate to. I do feel, when I read it, good for her, what a blessing for her, but that is NOT the life I live.
I have purchased and given this book to other single mom's. It has a positive, hope-filled message and the shot in the arm to be brave, be a woman of valor and dare to have a full life as a single mom.
I say. Bravo! http://360.yahoo.com/lvglvk
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32 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
missing something- reality check, August 2, 2007
This review is from: My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey (Hardcover)
After reading this book, I continued to struggle with the familiar nagging at my heart and the ache in my stomach, which speak more honestly to me about the realities of single motherhood. While I respect and appreciated many things that this author described about her own experience as a single mother, the heavy emphasis on religion, the reliance on a masculine form of divinity and the reference to the constant craving for a "hunky" male partner, particularly towards the end, left me feeling like this book was directed primarily at the white, high heeled, manicured, primarily Christian raised, middle class lifestyle type of mother. It spoke largely of this one woman's experience with the hopes that some of it might help other women, likely in similar circumstances. None of the descriptions of this book, nor the on line reviews identify the heavy extent to which the theme of religion, a male God, church, etc. are woven into the chapters. If something in this book resonates for white middle class women, great, the book is a success. But there remain thousands of women who do not fit in this group. Some of the serious issues that are often part of single mother hood and need real solutions, real acknowledgement, seem to be minimized or ignored. Dealing with abusive ex partners who remain involved in the children's lives, dealing with the emotional upheaval of depression, experiences of anxiety, trying to secure medical care for oneself and ones children, trying to find and get to therapy or good counselling, legal costs, not dating for years, not dating at all, having to manage house hold repairs, sick children, a full time job, shift work, all of these things alone....they just aren't dealt with adequately. The isolation of living in a smaller community, and not jetting off to other cities and countries, the lack of family resources and few reliable men who have time to mentor a son....they are realities for many many women. This book falls short for these women. The end of the book was disappointing...the reference to the fantasy of the dreamy man that is pined for and waited for, the end goal.......the hope for this dream to come true.....it promotes the message that a woman is not whole or enough without a man....that the goal is eventually to be with a man. This book seemed like an outpouring of one woman's story, and perhaps that was in itself therapeutic for the author. But for the other women out there who are also raising amazing children and get through the day with incredible integrity, courage and strength, women out there who don't have a personal assistant, don't jet off to big cities or other countries and do workshops or talks, don't have people stop them and tell them "you are beautiful",or "you know why we all love you", haven't dated for years, this book will feel alienating and out of touch with their reality and those "practical" challenges. Potential readers and purchasers of this book should at the very least be aware of this ahead of time.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If You're Not Single Then Read to Understand Others, December 10, 2008
Life sometimes does not turn out the way we expect it too. Sometimes, we are thrown for a loop with no where to turn. Who plans after vowing "I DO" and having a couple of "blessed events" to be alone raising children? Who plans on holding the hand of their child while their spouse is lowered into a grave? Who believes that of the 50% of marriages that end in divorce, theirs would be among the statistic?
No one expects the worse. But when the worse happens, it's great to have someone who has been there, show you the way. Not someone who gives you advice they overheard someone say or fish a random verse from the Bible, but someone who has walked the journey you yourself are now embarking.
In some circles, Angela Thomas had it all: a husband, four beautiful children, and a successful speaking and writing career. She wrote books encouraging women to seek the beauty and wrote prayers for the expectant mother and new mom. I can imagine she never imagined she'd write a book about herself titled, My Single Mom Life: Stories and Practical Lessons for Your Journey. What was made for her bad was certainly turned around for every reader's good.
Angela speaks candidly about her single mom life. She takes the reader's hand encouraging single moms to cry, to mourn their lost, but afterward find the courage to begin again accepting their single mom life and be willing to raise their children in a positive new life.
What made this book so compelling is Angela retold her story as if she was writing to her best friend. She didn't offer textbook answers but genuine, heartfelt advice. Readers may find some of her advice hard to read. But isn't that the real role of a girlfriend? To let you know with love where improvements can be made?
If you think you will never be a single mom and I pray you never have to go through life alone, pick up a copy for your girlfriend. But do her a favor before you gift it to her by reading it yourself. You may find a perspective on single motherhood you may have not known before. You may develop empathy where there was apathy. And God forbid, you may just build an ark before your own personal storm hits.
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