Mother's: A Celebration

by Alexandra Stoddard

Describes how motherhood changes women and how mothering affects children, and discusses maintaining one's self-esteem, finding time for oneself and others, encouraging children's independence, and developing relationships with grandmothers and other women

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

ALEXANDRA STODDARD is a philosopher of contemporary living and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life, Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life, and You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life. Alexandra's newest book Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together, published in January 2008, is now in its second printing.

Reviews

[Sandra]

"Becoming a mother changes everything about your life. Motherhood deepens your connection to all of life, making you a more active participant in both the joys and pains of living. You seek out things in the world that will enhance your child's life and pleasure, becoming a frequent visitor to parks and museums, a reader of books on whales and dinosaurs, an avid eater of ice cream and a singer of songs, a hiker and a tree climber...It is not always easy, but you can find no greater sense of being fully alive than in what is asked of you in being a mother."
I've always liked Alexandra Stoddard's writing and her approach to life of gracious living, of seeking beauty in all things - even though her lifestyle is much different from mine. I know some have panned her because of the picture-perfect life she presents, but the values she promotes are universal - being fully present, being consistent, modeling thoughtful behavior, etc. It's inspirational, not educational.

[Barb Anders]

This was a book of my mom's that ended up back with me. Written 20 years ago...i picked it up and i read it the week of Mother's Day....some beautiful thoughts and also wonderful quotes interwoven thru the pages on Motherhood and what it means to be a mom.

[Lilandra]

This was an enjoyable read. I love the quotes that she includes in the book and her perspective of motherhood from being a daughter to being a mother herself.