Write On!

      When I’ve done book reviews for MotherTalk before, I usually use my other blog but in the case of Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues it’s a different story all together. I felt that a book about documenting life with children through writing would really compliment what we talk about here at Picture This; documenting life with children in photographs. It is a good fit, don’t you think?

     I was giddy to get a copy of Writing Motherhood just by the title alone as I am already a huge advocate of women writing their way through motherhood. In fact, the sole purpose of my own books (Waiting for Baby and Baby of Mine) is to do exactly that; encourage and inspire women to record their unique motherhood experience (I guess that’s why they are considered 'Motherhood Memory Albums') through writing and pictures. It’s no wonder I was on board before I cracked the book. But, when I dove in I was delighted to find more than just words to rouse the inner writer, I found a mother’s treasury rich with creative nourishment for any woman seeking to express herself in attempts to hold on to her sanity, memory, identity, or whatever the case may be. And believe it or not, I think that even if someone didn’t think they were interested in writing, they just might be after a few pages of Lisa’s book. It’s got that kind of effect.

     Ms. Garrigues herself is a brilliant writer and this truth is evident on every page. She weaves her own personal and poetic stories throughout each chapter which makes reading her book such a pleasure. The tone is soothing and her words so fluid, I often forgot I was reading what I thought would be a traditional ‘how-to’ book.  Although I rarely leave the bookstore without something from the self-improvement section (I know, it’s ridiculous) I found it refreshing to read a book that offered illuminating insights as a way of gently guiding the reader,  more than by hard, strict rules. Lisa even makes mention of being more of a guide than a conventional teacher (love that!) and reiterates that there are no rules to Writing Motherhood. Oh Holy Freedom! Obviously, these ideas resonated with me and I felt on many points her words could have been those that I have shared with you all about my photography philosophies. It was validating and exciting for me to read those same ideas from someone else on writing. It’s as if now, I have been given permission to write whatever the heck I want (without editing, rewriting, guilt) and although I guess I knew it all along, now I can exclaim, “Lisa said it was OK!”

     Although Writing Motherhood is bursting with information, it’s not the least bit overwhelming. Early on Lisa encourages the reader to “skim the book to get a lay of the land” which was soooo liberating for a self-proclaimed skimmer like myself. She’s a pro on the subject of Writing Motherhood as she has taught the subject before (we learn early on) and it’s obvious she’s been around the writer’s block before. She has a way of gently addressing each little brick of worry we use to built our walls of resistance so when you begin, there really are no excuses which I really love about her approach. Fear of the blank page? She offers writing starts to get past that. Hate the drudgery of imposing writing exercises? She extends “invitations” to write in which we are able to accept or decline at our own will. Don’t consider yourself a real writer? She gives us a chance to write our own disclaimers, first thing so we can forgive ourselves our imperfections. Don’t have enough time? She assures, and I quote “each chapter can be read in 5 minutes” and she is true to her word. I hope you are sufficiently convinced that this book is for you or as Jenny mentioned at Three Kid Circus Auditions in her review, a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

     Lisa Garrigues is a fellow mother, an eloquent writer, a nurturing guide and a welcome muse and within the pages of Writing Motherhood has given us an invaluable resource, a companion to lean on and hold close as we explore innermost selves and begin to tell our own stories as we join the chorus of what she refers to as “the universal song of motherhood.” Let us sing.

Comments

[melody]

Tracey, your reviews always sell me on a book even when it's a topic in which I do not have the least bit of interest. Thanks.

BTW, self-help books...I'm so there.

[melody]

Tracey, your reviews always sell me on a book even when it's a topic in which I do not have the least bit of interest. Thanks.

BTW, self-help books...I'm so there.

And there's a link to a great contest at my blog...prize Apple iPod Nano and chocolate!

Just giving you and your readers a heads up. Although it lessens my chances to win. ;)

http://slurpinglife.typepad.com/slurping_life/2007/05/enter_the_conte.html

[melody]

OOPS, double - now triple - comment. Sorry. But it does up your comment count. :)

Feel free to delete the first, the second has a contest link.

[Mommy Jen]

Oh, this sounds "write" up my alley..hee, hee. There's a little lamo joke for you on this fine Wednesday afternoon. I was an English major and always dreamed (and still do) of becoming a great writer, but it was not until I had my son that I was inspired to really write my experience, no matter how crappy it seemed to me on some days. And what I've found is that the process is more cathartic more me than the finished product, althought the latter is such a treasure to have. It's amazing the passion and inspiration that children bring into our lives, isn't it. Thanks so much for this recommnedation, Tracey. I'm adding it to my list for sure ;-)

[Ann D]

Further to what Mommy Jen said: I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but I never really had anything to write about until I became a writer. It was motherhood that gave me my inspiration, my ideas, and my passion for sharing my experiences (both joyful and painful) with other mothers.

I just popped by to see what the other reviewers had said about the book, now that I've posted my review, too. (I didn't want to read anything else about the book until after I posted my review!) :-)

Tracey -- YOU CONTINUE TO INSPIRE ME SO MUCH. Thank you for being you.