The Bookworm Sez: You should listen to your mother

The Bookworm Sez: You should listen to your mother

Safe.

That’s what you would’ve been, if you’d just paid attention to your mother. You wouldn’t have caught your death of cold or poked someone’s eye out. You’d never even bother looking for money trees. Accidents would be free of dirty undies, and you’d have nice things.

But nooooo, you didn’t heed Mom’s advice until you had children of your own. And in “Listen to Your Mother,” a collection of essays edited by Ann Imig (c.2015, Putnam, $25.95, 246 pages), you’ll see what else you missed.

For much of your life, your mother’s told you what to do. As it turns out, she IS the boss of you and sometimes her advice is right. Other times, says Mary Jo Pehl, her words scare you enough that “she should have a flashlight under her face.”

And yet — you’ve probably noticed that Mom is strong as steel. Maybe she “leads you to water and stays till you drink,” as does Tasneem Grace Tewogbola’s mother. And even if, like Lea Grover, you’ve forgotten things, you still know Mom’s “a supernatural entity made of love… and constant presence.”

If you’re the moming one, then you understand how Jenny Fiore needs outings “in order to keep my child happy enough, occupied enough not to break me.” You can “finally let go of all your crazy hopes and dreams and just live vicariously through your children,” says Wendi Aarons. Like Jennifer Ball, you know that traditions mean everything. Like Stacey Connor, you can do what’s right for your child and hope the condemnation isn’t too harsh. And you can remember, as does Natalie Cheung Hall, “I am a good mom because I have a good mom.”

Mothers, as anyone who’s had one knows, come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are single, while some families have two moms. In many cases — like that of Alexandra Rosas — Grandma takes the role and “all the ugliness of my world disappears,” or an Auntie does the mothering. Some moms eagerly anticipate their babies’ birth, others fear for their child’s future before it’s even born, and all mothers find it hard to let go.

And sometimes, Mom is actually a Dad…

So, all things considered, you were a pretty good kid — although there were times when, well, let’s just say that “Listen to Your Mother” could help make amends.

Because of long Wisconsin winters spent with two small children, blogger-editor Ann Imig created a stage show “to make room for the voices of other mothers and men and women…” and from which her book is titled.

Some of these fifty-some essays will make you laugh, of course. Others will resonate in your own life. A few will make you wonder if the author somehow knew your mother. Many stories will touch your heart — and at least one will break it in pieces.

If you’re a mother or a mom-to-be, you’ll find comfort and kindred spirits inside this addictive, easy-to-read book. If you’re looking for something to give your own Mom, I’d say wrapping up “Listen to Your Mother” is safe.

The Bookworm is Terrischlichenmeyer. Email her at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

More in Life

The cast of “Annie” rehearse at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Central hits the big stage with ‘Annie’

The production features actors from Kenai Central and Kenai Middle School

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in “We Live in Time.” (Promotional photo courtesy A24)
On the Screen: Pugh, Garfield bring life to love story

“We Live in Time” explores legacy, connection and grief through the pair’s relationship

Mary Nissen speaks at the first Kenai Peninsula history conference held at Kenai Central High School on Nov. 7-8, 1974, in Kenai, Alaska. Photo provided by Shana Loshbaugh
Remembering the Kenai Peninsula’s 1st history conference — Part 2

The 1974 event inspired the second Kenai Peninsula history conference, held in April, 2017

This slow-simmered ox tail broth makes this otherwise simple borscht recipe quite luxurious. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Borscht from the source

This homestyle stew recipe draws on experience of Russian cook

In 1954, David Nutter (right) and his younger half-brother Frank Gwartney were ready for their first day of school in Sitka. (Photo courtesy of the Nutter Family Collection)
Finding Mister Nutter — Part 6

Chasing down the facts about Warren Nutter was never going to be simple

Photo provided by Shana Loshbaugh
Dena’ina writer, translator and ethnographer Peter Kalifornsky speaks at the first Kenai Peninsula history conference held at Kenai Central High School on Nov. 7-8, 1974.
Remembering the Kenai Peninsula’s 1st history conference — Part 1

Kenai Peninsula history gathering 50 years ago remains relevant and rousing

File
Minister’s Message: My upstairs or your upstairs?

The question challenges us to consider our own eternal destination and relationship with Jesus

tease
Off the shelf: Memoir ponders life’s un-expectations

‘The Crane Wife’ is part of the Homer Public Library’s 2024 Lit Lineup

tease
Anticipating candy-coated revelry

These popcorn balls, done three ways, are a classic Halloween treat

Most Read