This is a Mother-Talk book review.

The Other Mother is a new (released this week, I believe) novel by Gwendolyn (Wendy) Gross that addresses the “mommy wars” from a fictional standpoint. While I think the mommy wars (between staunch stay at home and staunch working mothers who see no story but their own) are ridiculous and closed minded, they really do happen in some circles. I loved the way this book kept them as an undercurrent throughout the story without ever actually mentioning them.

The essential premise of the book is that the two mothers, Amanda & Thea, are truly only at war with themselves and their choices (as is usually the case in life) and they’re both envious of the other. Thea, the stay at home mom, is jealous of Amanda’s ability to have a break, pee in privacy and enjoy stimulating adult conversation. Amanda, the working mom, is jealous of the unlimited time that Amanda has with her children and the control she has over all aspects of their lives. Both of them show their envy by judging the other and justifying their own choices. Hmmmm…

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with the “mommy wars” and wants to see what they’re really all about while enjoying a great fictional read a the same time. It’s the kind of book you can choose to analyze or just read and either way you’ll likely enjoy it.

Want a copy for yourself? To be entered in the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com by midnight MST tomorrow with The Other Mother in the subject line. It’s that easy! Congratulations Angelina!