Product Description
A funny, honest, and empathetic resource for the novice stepmother, which includes advice on The kids: Adjusting to suspicion, resentment, and biological-parent loyalties; The ex-wife: Living calmly alongside her, whether she’s a psycho or the perfect mother; The holidays: Accommodating old family traditions and developing new ones; The sex: Keeping love alive through the kids’ bed-wetting and nightmares. Plus an invaluable list of resources, websites, publications,… More >>
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You see, this is supposed to be written “with humor & grace”….instead it is written from a victims – a seemingly happy one – point of view. It is bizarre to read this and believe someone could find this amusing. That’s the humor part that doesn’t quite work. Grace? Forget about it. Whiny, childish, selfish, and pathetic are the words I would use. The only thing I can think of to explain this book is that many of the personal anecdotes to illustrate a point were fiction – if they are true, I’m horrified that anyone would allow themselves to be put through this just to land a man. And to experience these things – and then willingly expose them to the world…..is really inexplicable. I agree with another reviewer’s point – that the observations and advice don’t mesh with someone who is supposedly an overachieving popular person. Low self-esteem, perhaps? Whatever is truly backing these stories – fact or fiction – they are not graceful, nor humorous.
Rating: 1 / 5
My friend enjoyed this book and thought I might as well, despite the fact I’m not a member of the step-parent club. I didn’t. The author is willing to portray herself as self-absorbed and a big cry-baby who, having suffered through a rather non-existent sex life finally finds a man….but why would she want him if she is as popular and high-achieving as she claims she is? He sounds like a real loser and it’s completely unclear why she would ever want him given the way he treats her….except of course that she was desperate to have sex. Yuck. I was embarrassed for the whole lot of them (especially those poor kids!) and couldn’t finish reading the book.
Rating: 1 / 5
This is a must read for any woman who is about to become a step-mother, and especially for any step-mother dealing with a P.E.W. (Sally’s acronym for Psycho Ex Wife). To feel less alone in my tribulations was exhilarating. I especially enjoyed hearing about the “evil twin”…I thought I was the only one who had one (it’s the part of you that comes out when you’re really going through hell; the part of you that has not so nice thoughts and acts out in ways you never thought possible). I was glad to learn this was normal. I didn’t think there was anything that could prepare someone for the realistic possibilities of enduring multiple nightmares on a regular basis, but this book does a pretty good job. The greatest part of the book is that it teaches you how to take the high road – how NOT to be driven insane BY the insane. This book would make a great shower/wedding gift for someone who is about to enter the unknown…at least to have it on hand if/when things get nutty.
Rating: 5 / 5
I received this book as an engagement gift, and I re-read it every year or so. The author is honest and good humored. What I liked about it was that it gave me some solace that every step-mom goes through common experiences, and it gave some great insight on boundaries, and some of the dynamics that come with a blended family.
I highly recommend this book!
Rating: 5 / 5
This is such a great book. I am about to become a stepmother and this book had me laughing and smiling and made it seem like I could make it. I have read it twice already and figure I will be reading it many more times to come!
Rating: 4 / 5