Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: yiddishe mama, golden land, shtetl mother, They Too, New York, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the be all and end all about the real Jewish leaders. Researchers will refer to this work as the definitive source." -- Eileen Warshaw, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Jewish Heritage Center of the Southwest

"A hearty "yishar kocheich" to Marnie Winston-Macauley for a skillfully written, well-researched and thoroughly delightful study." -- Rabbi Yocheved Mintz

Finally! A book that tells our truth -- the truth about the Jewish mother. ... a must-read for all mothers." -- Congresswoman Shelley Berkley

Product Description

Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother by Marnie Winston-Macauley is an eye-popping view of this often maligned, consistently misunderstand "stereotype." In Ms. Winston-Macauley's well-honed hands, using her clinical, research and humor skills, she has created a small masterpiece which will evoke learning, laughter, and tears in the reader. Through interviews, history, anecdotes, facts, and humor she delves deeply into all facets of the Jewish mother experience, painting a strong and accurate portrait of this controversial cultural icon. The reader will journey through special "ethno-traits," will discover how, in about 70 years, the Jewish mother went from adored status to the cartoon cut-out, and will read about both the famous and unsung heroes, with examples from Biblical times to today. This extraordinary book also looks at how non-Jewish women see "the Jewish mother." Yiddishe Mamas: The Truth About the Jewish Mother is a true page-turner.

In Marnie Winston-Macauley's own words:

We've all heard them. The Jewish mother stereotypes, borne of ridicule, heightened by Borscht belt comics, portrayed in media. And so, we have become the "cartoon." The prototype of the overzealous, over-involved, over-worried, over-protective, over-nurturing, over-bearing presence that has invaded popular culture.

But those who have looked beyond the stereotype are not being heard loud enough. But then, the quick sound bite, the joke, is easier. It ends with a laugh, a "period." As a journalist, I've been forced to look beyond that period. At the commas, the exclamation points, the 5000 year-old clauses that have come before.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740763768
• ISBN-13: 978-0740763762
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #206,235 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, memory evoking and funny!, May 21, 2007

By	Lois Jaffe - See all my reviews

I loved this! The anecdotes are so true and brought to mind memories of Jewish mothers that I knew. I found the factual information quite fascinating. All in all, a good read.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic funny and eye opening book, April 16, 2007

By	Harry H. Leichter - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I find this book a superbly written account of the Jewish Mother. It evoked memories of my childhood. It brought tears, laughter, giggles, emotional responses and happiness to me on every page.

Stetl life has molded the Jewish Mother and daughters into a wonderful way of life.
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