Official Review: We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of Grit, H...

That Reviewer · Post by **That Reviewer** » 24 Aug 2020, 13:03

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of Grit, Heart, and Humor" by Marika Lindholm, Cheryl Dumesnil, Domenica Ruta, and Katherine Shonk.]

4 out of 4 stars

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With the number of solo moms (single mothers) rising, I am sure you know someone who has or has heard about one. These women have different tags in society. They are either seen as women who allegedly ran away from their marriages or those who couldn't stay in an abusive marriage or those who can't keep a man; there's always a kind of stereotypical definition for these women. I know someone in her twenties, who is a solo mom. She was deceived into marrying early. However, she is now separated and learning to live and fend for her five-year-old son. Reading this book gave me a wholesome view of who these women are. Marika Lindholm, Cheryl Dumesnil, Domenica Ruta, and Katherine Shonk did a fantastic job of bringing together these women's stories in We Got This.

This book contains stories from many solo moms from different races, ethnicities, orientations, and communities. They tell tales about their lives as single moms. The book's main aim is to encourage all solo moms out there with the stories of several others who have gone through something similar and understand what they might be going through. It's a tough job being a solo mom; it's got ups and downs, and having someone write you a letter telling you how they handled theirs is always welcomed. The book will let the reader know that being a solo mom doesn't mean they are alone.

The book contains seven chapters with catchy titles such as Good Morning Heartache, The Kids are Alright, Isn’t that Romantic, etc. Each chapter has different stories and poems from different solo moms telling how they became divorcees or widows or solo moms by choice. They shared tales of their children, life in general, and how their new or chosen status impacted relationships with friends and family. Each chapter ended with a quote that nicely summarizes each story.

I got hooked from the start by the few words from Justice Sonia Maria Sotomayor; I even had to go online to check her out. Her words gave me an idea of what the book would be like. However, I wasn't prepared for the tears that flooded my eyes as I read the succeeding stories. These were stories of bravery, pain, strength, loss, fear, death, sickness, domestic violence, divorce, etc.

After I read this book, my respect for women increased significantly. I salute those who become solo moms either by choice, accident, or incident despite the stereotypes, difficulty of raising a child(ren) alone, and loneliness that may not end. I like how dads were not painted badly. Some daddies were absent, yet present. It gives me hope that not all men are wife-beaters, cheaters, or run-away dads.

There was absolutely nothing I disliked about this book; it was written well and professionally edited. I rate We Got This four out of four stars for being such an eye-opening book and a voice to those who are often mislabeled. I recommend this book to solo moms and those who enjoy reading their stories.

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We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of Grit, Heart, and Humor
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rahilshajahan · Post by **rahilshajahan** » 27 Aug 2020, 07:52

Wow. This book seems like a great read. The real life experiences of a strong person can be an inspirational read. Thanks for a detailed review!

TCG · Post by **TCG** » 27 Aug 2020, 08:20

The idea of solo moms is just new to me. This reoccurring relationship tends to create some kind of mixed feelings in me. Are women really the cause of broken homes?

shreyagupta · Post by **shreyagupta** » 27 Aug 2020, 09:24

Sounds like a great book and a must read for today's generation. Such insights help set the stereotypes straight.

"We slaughter one another in our words and attitudes. We slaughter one another in the stereotypes and mistrust that linger in our heads, and the words of hate we spew from our lips." ~ Nelson Mandela

Samwisekoop · Post by **Samwisekoop** » 27 Aug 2020, 10:47

This book sounds great! Being a single mom, I can imagine, is extremely difficult. I mean, single moms have to fulfill the mother and father rules. How single moms do it, I have no idea. But this book sounds like an insightful and probably humorous window into the previously stated kinda life. I am eager to read it. Thank you for this review!

Samwisekoop · Post by **Samwisekoop** » 27 Aug 2020, 10:52

TCG wrote: ↑27 Aug 2020, 08:20 The idea of solo moms is just new to me. This reoccurring relationship tends to create some kind of mixed feelings in me. Are women really the cause of broken homes?

Can I put my two sentences here? I do not think that women are the cause of broken homes. Broken homes are usually caused by mother and father who can't stay together for whatever reasons. Absences of mothers or fathers in a home emotionally and mentally hurts and sometimes traumatizes children. Growing up in such an environment can cause future problems in those children's marriages...which leads to more broken marriages and more broken homes. It is so heartbreakingly sad, but I think it is a true reoccurring theme that has been going on for generations. Let's pray for all those hurting people and their broken homes.

Samwisekoop · Post by **Samwisekoop** » 27 Aug 2020, 10:52

rahilshajahan wrote: ↑27 Aug 2020, 07:52 Wow. This book seems like a great read. The real life experiences of a strong person can be an inspirational read. Thanks for a detailed review!

I love your quote!

Ada Ling · Post by **Ada Ling** » 27 Aug 2020, 11:05

First time to know single mom has another name as solo mom. " I salute those who become solo moms either by choice, accident, or incident despite the stereotypes, difficulty of raising a child(ren) alone, and loneliness that may not end. " - Well said. Thank you for the great review!

RHD · Post by **RHD** » 27 Aug 2020, 18:23

Indeed the issue of solo mums needs to be addressed more. I also know a single mom or two. I am proud of this work and to you That Reviewer for a good review.

rahilshajahan · Post by **rahilshajahan** » 28 Aug 2020, 05:24

Samwisekoop wrote: ↑27 Aug 2020, 10:52 I love your quote!

Thank you!!

Kola+wole · Post by **Kola+wole** » 28 Aug 2020, 17:23

I salute every single moms out there. It's challenging, to say the least. Taking up roles and responsibilities, putting up with society's condescending attitude and all of that. Great book and awesome review too.

Ify_Reviewer · Post by **Ify_Reviewer** » 29 Aug 2020, 04:31

People who have experience will relate to both the joy and struggles. Thanks for the review.

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 05 Sep 2020, 23:54

Having been raised by my mother alone, I think I could really relate to this book. Your review makes it seem a very good one! Nice

10 Sep 2020, 05:50

Being a mom is tough job, I cannot imagine what a ride being a solo mom is. Nonetheless these women soldier on and show up for their kids. I must prepare enough tissues and get myself a copy of this book. Thanks for the descriptive review!