The Single Mother's Survival Guide [Paperback]

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: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #731,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #83 in

  Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Single Parents

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 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

This review is from: The Single Mother's Survival Guide (Paperback)

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!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed out loud!, May 8, 2004

By	Amy S. Brigham (Bronxville, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Single Mother's Survival Guide (Paperback)

On one of the darkest days of my single motherhood I reread this book. What a pleasure! I laughed and cried and laughed and cried. I really want all my single girlfriends out there to get a hold of this book as fast as they can. Single mothers need to share with eachother and she has lots of love and humor for us. I enjoyed all her ideas and the Workbook at end helped me to put everything in perspective.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So true to the life of a single mother!, March 17, 2000

By	Debbie Williamson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Single Mother's Survival Guide (Paperback)

This book was insightful, funny and so very true to a single mother. It made me laugh and cry, but most of all it made me realize that I am now, and will be in the future successful in raising my son. Thank you for letting me realize that it is ok to be a single Mom and that we can raise our gifts from God successfully! This book has truly changed my life.