Mom: The Woman Who Made Oatmeal Stick to My Ribs

by James Michael Pratt

"Jimmy, eat your oatmeal, it'll stick to your ribs." I recall as a boy feeling around my rib cage after eating my oatmeal and wondering if it took a trip other foods didn't. Maybe oatmeal really did hang out down there." 
The advice of our mothers. Maybe we don't always understand it as children (how does my failure to clean my plate affect the starving children in Africa?), but it carries a message of love and concern that reaches far beyond words. In his reflective style, NY Times best-selling author James Michael Pratt reminds us of the timeless wisdom of our mothers and offer tribute to the unsung heroines who have made the world go round. As he "Oatmeal might not really stick to ribs, but I never, ever eat it without hearing Mom's voice. It wasn't just oatmeal that stuck to this boy, though. It was the time-tested values that gave real warmth and protection, like a shield against the punches, life's knockout blows to the ribcage. "Obeying Mom on eating the hot cereal was assuring myself that I could succeed."  

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Wendy Hughes]

It’s true everyone has a mother!
He quotes Proverbs 31 “who can find me a virtuous woman? For her price is far above Rubies!
Mr. Pratt pays the highest tribute to his mother and tells of the many experiences of what made him who he is today is greatly influenced by his mothers love .

[Dianne]

I hope I was half the Mother this woman was. I also hope to follow the advice in this book on how to make a great marriage. Hopefully we have many more years together.

[Terri Lyman]

Meh. If it was any longer it would have been a DNF.

[Christina]

I expected this to be more of a tribute to motherhood in general like All Moms Go To Heaven, which I enjoyed. Instead, it was a collection of memories from the author's life. Some of them were only loosely related to his mom. It might be more interesting for someone of the author's generation because the memories would be nostalgic. However, it didn't really touch me in any way.

[Kristine]

I read this for one of my book clubs but found it very poorly written. The book is the reflections of James Pratt on his upbringing and the influence his mother had on him. Though he had some interesting stories and insights, he failed to convey them in a meaningful way. I felt the book was shallow and a little mushy. It is a fast read and only 100 pages but not worth the time.

[Rochelle]

I admit I couldn't keep reading. I couldn't make myself feel interested. Got to the third chapter and asked myself what the point was in reading it. Couldn't find it. My original intention was to 1) increase my appreciation for my own mother and 2) look for some clues to being a better mother myself. It didn't really happen.

[Vonnie]

This was a quick feel good book. It would be rewarding to read so many good memories & complements written by your own child. As mothers we work hard & hope for positive outcomes. This mother was successful.

[Heather]

This was a great book. It made me think about my own mom and me now as a mom. I am reflecting the traditions and values I am instilling in my children--these are so important!

[Grandma]

I learned what wonderful people Moms are and it makes you want to be a good mom.

[Cathy Butler Teichert]

It was sweet. Another book club pick. I found his thoughts interesting but didn't really agree entirely with all of his conclusions.

[Karen]

What a beautiful tribute James Michael Pratt pays to his Mother and to all Mom's through times.