Stretch Marks: A Novel [Paperback]

Kimberly Stuart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

An earth-conscious, yoga-practicing twenty-something is forced to face her estranged relationship with her mother in this comic yet poignant novel about moms and daughters.

Mia Rathbun is an overworked and underpaid Chicago social worker who belongs to PETA and recycles the tops of pizza boxes. Her boyfriend, Lars, is a free-spirited freelance writer (read: mooch) who disdains the conventions of marriage but is happy to build a life with Mia. That is until Mia becomes pregnant.

Left on her own, Mia just begins to accustom herself to the looming prospect of single parenthood when her mother, Babs, shows up to “help.” The two have an estranged relationship but are forced to acknowledge their connection as Mia’s belly grows and she has few other options. The story is told with Stuart’s characteristic irreverent and authentic humor with healthy doses of poignancy and grace.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Mia is a granola-eating, sensible shoe–wearing, carbon footprint–conscious twenty-something living in a multicultural neighborhood in Chicago. Her mother, Babs, is a stiletto-wearing Zsa Zsa Gabor type who works as an activities hostess on a Caribbean cruise line … and if you guessed there’s some tension there, you’d be right. Factor in an unexpected pregnancy and Mia’s idealistic boyfriend—Lars is such a visionary he doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage—and the mother-daughter relationship is, well, stretched very thin. As is Mia’s sanity when Babs shows up to … help.

 

Actually, Mia has a whole neighborhood of quirky characters who want to help, including her BFF Frankie, a magenta-haired librarian; Silas, the courtly gentleman of indeterminate age who lives downstairs; and Adam, proprietor of the corner grocery store where Mia shops. But it’s Adam—endearing, kind, possessed of a perfect smile and impeccable Persian manners—who ultimately charms Babs and rescues Mia from more than one mother-induced meltdown. Could it be that Mia and Babs might actually be able to get along?

 

With Kimberly Stuart’s trademark irreverent humor and a surprising and satisfying take on romance, Stretch Marks is an authentic but tender story about family, grace, and the importance of a good grocer.

 

About the Author

Kimberly Stuart holds degrees from St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa. After teaching Spanish and English as a second language in Chicago, Minneapolis, Costa Rica, and eastern Iowa, she took a huge increase in pay to be a full-time mom. She makes her home in Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband and two young children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781448921
• ISBN-13: 978-0781448925
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,820,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kimberly Stuart has always loved a good story, good writing, and a good laugh. She is also particularly fond of Dutch cheeses and dark chocolate. As a child, she would force her brother into playing the ever-riveting game of "Library." She would write official looking information with a red Sharpie and Ryan would have the honored task of holding an inscribed, stinky book. This game had a short lifespan as Ryan soon realized that there were neighborhood children who would not make him suffer so.

Decades later, Stuart turned to writing to cope with the isolation and charming chaos of motherhood. A few vignettes turned into the seeds for a novel, which turned into a two-book contract out of which _Balancing Act_ and _Bottom Line_ were birthed. While not autobiographical, these two titles were much cheaper than therapy. _Act Two: A Novel in Perfect Pitch_ is the story of a diva who gets stuck in the Midwest against her will. The pig rump on the cover is an exceptionally clever visual cue.

Stretch Marks hits Amazon and stores nationwide September of 2009, so get ready. Part romantic comedy, part mother-daughter war, it just might be the best way to spend a few bucks these days. Or you can always cut your losses and invest in a red Sharpie.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HILARIOUS READING FOR MOMS OF ALL AGES, September 21, 2009

By 

Heather Ivester (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stretch Marks: A Novel (Paperback)

I've been a fan of Kimberly Stuart's mom-lit ever since I read BALANCING ACT and BOTTOM LINE. This author never fails to keep me thoroughly hooked and entertained. At first I assumed that STRETCH MARKS would be book #3 in the Heidi Elliot series, so it took me a few pages to get accustomed to Mia, a hip urban social worker who unexpectedly finds out she's pregnant from her live-in boyfriend.

Throughout the book, I was drawn to Mia, especially her courage in the face of numerous trying circumstances. She's alone after her boyfriend skips town, yet she finds companionship through her quirky best friend Frankie and her hilarious mom, Babs. There were so many laugh-out-loud scenes with Babs and Mia, such as when Babs joins Mia's yoga class for the first time.

I think this would make a great gift for moms-to-be, who can relate to Mia's ups and downs throughout her pregnancy. I also enjoyed reading through the point of view of a vegetarian since I have many family members who are vegetarian! I found myself wanting to eat healthier and try a little yoga after seeing how Mia controlled her own stress through her healthy lifestyle.

I'd highly recommend any of Kimberly Stuart's books for moms who want something fun to read while taking a break from the kids!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stretching the Envelope, September 8, 2009

By 

Tara Mosley (Covington, GA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stretch Marks: A Novel (Paperback)

No review I write will be eloquent enough to do justice to Stuart's novel. Stuart paints portraits of her characters with Vermeer's virtuosity. Each one is a multi-faceted being who you can neither truly love or hate, but all of whom you can recognize in your everyday life. The story arc is refreshingly unique, subtle, simultaneously entangled and harmonious. She brings soulful dignity and grand levity to subjects otherwise considered taboo. The musical and pop culture references, fashion digs, and self deprecating humor sprinkled through out the book provides treats for all generations. The variety of issues that Stuart dares to tackle such as: polar opposite politics, racial relations, single's sexual realtionships, Christianity/religion versus agnosticism, etc. is bold, but somehow neither offensive, strictly conclusive, nor condemning, but definitely thought provoking and gracefully considered. The book simultaneously leaves the reader with a greater inclination to both attempt to understand God and to empathisize with persons whom may have radically different beliefs than their own. Stuart is an exceptional author with unparalleled talent when it comes to genuinely capturing both the ridiculousness and benevolence of human nature. I would truly be puzzled by a person who did not appreciate nearly all elements of this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious Fun, Uplifting Message, September 7, 2009

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stretch Marks: A Novel (Paperback)

When I picked up Kimberly Stuart's STRETCH MARKS at the start of the day today, little did I know I'd become so engrossed in this book and its characters that I'd be completely powerless to put it down!

In this wonderful story of love, family, commitment and friendship, Ms. Stuart introduces us to characters who are both endearing and yet not without their own personal flaws. Mia, unexpectedly pregnant, makes the courageous decision to raise her child on her own, all the while holding out hope that her seemingly commitment-phobic (yet very hot) former live-in boyfriend Lars will change his mind and come back to her and her as yet unborn child. While blind to the fact that Lars doesn't want the picture perfect family she envisions, it takes Mia a while to clue into the fact that -- in reality -- she is surrounded by a loving and supportive cast of characters who truly do become the family she has craved.

I loved the subplot of the mended relationship between Mia and her deliciously out-there mom Babs. I couldn't help but be inspired by teenage mom Flor's gutsyness and self sacrifice. I rooted for Adam the entire book and was happy with his character's eventual outcome. In short, this book drew me in with characters I grew to know and love in quick fashion.

A quiet, yet significant spiritual undertone underpins the plot line and sets this book apart from typical Chic Lit fare. Author Kimberly Stuart is never heavy handed with her message, but rather serves up a dose of inspiration with great flare and wit. Now, I need to get busy reading her others novels!