Now I Climb Rocks

by Liv Hambrett

How much of who we are is where we come from? How do we give our children their cultural inheritance when we are so far removed from it? And is it possible to learn an entire language in a birth prep class? In this collection of essays, Liv Hambrett dives into her own experiences of pregnancy and the early years of motherhood as they played out in a country and language not her own. Poignant, funny and personal, Now I Climb Rocks explores how raising children in another country can make us question our very ideas of belonging and becoming.

140 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2020

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally picked this one off the bookshelf after many months and am so glad it was now, in the current season of life that I devoured this beautiful memoir when it was so much more meaningful to me. Hambrett writes about everything that I concern myself with on a daily basis, being an immigrant in a new country and patiently learning what our place is in that world, the ever-present thought of HOME (what does it mean now and how does it change?) not to mention the big big theme of coming to terms with motherhood and the self. It was a balm for the soul, so eloquently written, highly recommended especially for every immigrant, expat or woman.

[Liv Hambrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with anything I ever write, once I am DONE with it, I am DONE with it and I don't tend to reread much. But I feel like, because I read this a million times while editing it, it counts as a 2020 read!

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow immigrant/expat/whatever you want to call it I recognized so many of my experiences in Liv’s words... she has a way of bringing them to paper in such an eloquent and moving way. I don’t think you need to live far away from your family or have children to appreciate her stories. I was moved to tears multiple times while reading. This book really makes you think about life and family, what you want and what’s expected of you, and how juggling all of this shapes us.

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I can relate to so many parts of this book and the feelings explained in it in so many ways! I moved to Germany from England back in 98 only intending to stay a year or 2 at the most. Almost 23 years later I'm still here and have experienced many life changing firsts away from my native country: learning to drive and owning my own car, buying a house, getting married, having a child, losing my mum .....
An uplifting read which I couldn't put down and wished wouldn't end!

[Ebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long been a fan of Liv's writing. I was jealous of her exquisite posts on "otherness" living in a foreign country. She puts into words so perfectly those feelings of doing things not quite right and the confusion if it's personal preference or being a foreigner.

Taking that theme into parenthood, this book is profound (from the mouths of babes sometimes!), occasionally melancholy, and ultimately so reassuring. You’re not doing it wrong. We've all got to make our own way in life.

Thank you Liv for sharing your path and how you found your corner of the universe.

[kayla elledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you heard of rock climbing it is so fun but it's not litterle rocks it's like colored handles but in different shapes and sizes it's a great way to entertain your self but it's fun for mainly kids but some adults rock climb also