The Single Mother's Survival Guide (Paperback)

by Patrice Karst (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Single moms haven't had many books to turn to in times of distress. Most parenting guides either moralize to her or ignore her altogether. Patrice Karst has righted that wrong with The Single Mother's Survival Guide. The book is obviously designed to console--and fast--the poor mom who has once again dragged the baby into the bathroom with her because she literally cannot get a moment alone. Flip open to any page and you'll find earthy bits of inspiration, with a consistently (but not sickeningly) positive slant on childcare, dating, and other facts of single-mom life. Karst never loses her tenacious hold on the realities of parenting: on her list of "Reasons to Be Happy About Being a Single Mom," the first one is "because it's happening." It's a treat to read a book so completely on the side of the mom. Karst rants against busybodies and smug marrieds: "The next person who says to you, 'Well, when you learn to be perfectly content and happy with yourself and aren't looking for a relationship--then you'll find one,' slap them for me, will ya?" So the advice isn't exactly revolutionary: love the kids, take a bath, ask for help. Still, this volume makes a fine companion piece (just ignore the workbook at the back) to the bible of single-parenting, Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year. --Claire Dederer

Product Description
In this engaging journey of self-discovery, Patrice Karst, a single mother, shares her practical yet witty advice with single moms everywhere. She covers a wide range of topics that concern the modern woman struggling without a mate, showing how it's possible not only to survive but to triumph. The book features dozens of quick "survival checklists" on topics such as dealing with exhaustion and reasons to be happy about being a single mom. Karst's "Ten Commandments for Single Mothers" begins with "Thou shalt not be afraid to ask for help from anyone at any time (because the offers sure as hell won't come in by themselves)." The Single Mother's Survival Guide also includes wisdom and inspiration for the single mother, touching on goals and dreams, affirmations, and gratitude.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Press (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580910637
• ISBN-13: 978-1580910637
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #548,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Single Mother's Survival Guide, November 26, 2003

By	Kim Sherry (Canton, MI United States) - See all my reviews

Wow! I had to wipe the tears of laughter away while i read this wonderful book! We need more writers like this.I began the book as a depressed single mom and finished it laughing and feeling strong and proud. Patrice Karst has written a book unlike the other single mom books- i own them all and hers is real, honest, funny and loving. I no longer felt alone because she deals with the reality of single motherhood. She isn't afraid to laugh at herself and tackles the real issues we all deal with. I felt myself wanting to pick up the phone and call her, as if she was a best friend. The world needs more women like her to encourage and empower women and mothers in such a male dominated society. Life can be hard and she offers a hand of encouragment with a lot of humor we all need. You go patrice! Good luck! Please write a sequal!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a winner!, January 5, 2002

By	Gael Dussault "Single Mom of 3!" (Leominser, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a single mom of 3 adopted children from China and Cambodia, and who also works full-time "outside" my home, I have little time for reading. "The Single Mother's Survival Guide" is a true gem. Patrice Karst is a single mom and I enjoyed her writing style tremendously. Each chapter is 2-3 pages so it's great to pick up when you have just a few moments. I leave it at bedside and plan to re-read a chapter a night. Afterall, she calls us single moms "godesses"! She offers this tip for helping with money issues. If you aren't too embarrassed, ask for the "single mother's discount" when you buy something. She says she gets it about 25% of the time. I think I'll try it when I buy a new car!
After I read it, I immediately ordered another book she wrote -- "God Made Easy"--can't wait for it to arrive.

She is an inspirational speaker. I'm keeping my eye out for her to come to Boston.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Choose a Better Book, February 11, 2005

By	Conspicuous Consumer "skinney" - See all my reviews

I bought two other books at the same time and found both of them to very useful, particularly The Complete Single Mother. I also recommend Single Mothers by Choice. I found this book to be dismissable. It gives very little usable advice and trivilizes serious problems. Please read the other one star ratings before wasting your money.