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Review of Being Mother

Posted: 22 Apr 2023, 05:27
by Nisha DSouza
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Being Mother" by Muriel sideris.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
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As Oprah Winfrey once said, "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother." This statement is so true when you think of all the people who have had a hand in raising you. Other than your biological mother, it could have been a sibling, a single dad, a stepmother, a grandmother, or an aunt. So, by definition, a mother is anyone who plays multiple roles, including a caregiver, a nurse, a counselor, a cab driver, a chef, a teacher, etc. She is the epitome of sacrifice and unbounded love. If not regulated, these traits could occasionally prove harmful to her. Being Mother is a book that promotes self-love and self-care without being selfish.

The author, Muriel M. Sideris, shared a remarkably compelling thought through this book. She points out how many of us wish to spread love in the world, but we forget that its purest form comes from loving oneself. Being a mother can be an extremely demanding and time-consuming job. Despite that, mothers need to take time for themselves without feeling guilty or selfish. Remember, you will be a role model for your children for most of their lives. You must demonstrate to them that you value and cherish who you are. They will eventually follow in your footsteps and develop greater self-confidence.

This book was an invaluable source of insightful wisdom and practical suggestions. The author begins the book with the well-known Serenity Prayer, which has helped countless people and is also one of my favorites. She further says that to achieve self-love, you must surround yourself with great individuals who do not undermine your self-worth. You do not need anyone's approval. Instead of focusing on what people expect of you, solely concentrate on what you desire. In addition to that, I respected how the author discourages complimenting children for their superficial attributes. She says one should instead praise them for their inherent virtues. In time, this will help them comprehend what true bliss is.

Apart from all this, there were many other tools the author shared. Coming from a mother of five, I believe the readers will appreciate them all. Initially, I was drawn to this book by the adorable and blissful faces on the cover. They radiated genuine affection and warmth. The only thing I did not enjoy about the book was how the author kept repeating similar thoughts. Her justification was that she wanted to emphasize the importance of those points. I decided not to deduct a star because it wasn't very bothersome. Despite the few grammatical mistakes I discovered, I genuinely liked the book. Hence, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to any individual who is raising a child. For readers struggling with motherhood, this book will demonstrate that you are not alone, that it is ok to take some time for yourself, and that self-love and being a mother can go hand in hand. When you, as a mother, are happy, confident, and aware of your value, your children naturally become self-conscious and appreciative adults. So, go on and grab a copy of this lovely book.

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Being Mother
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Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 01:59
by Kavita Shah
The definition of a mother is not only limited to Biology - true. This reminds me of Krishna and his two mothers. Caring for the child and praising his inherent virtues instead of superficial ones, that's a great advice.
Amazing review Nisha!

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 02:06
by Nisha DSouza
That is a very good example, Kavita. Thank you, for your insightful thoughts and your kind words. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 06:48
by Hazel Mae Bagarinao
I like that the author begins with a serenity prayer; that is one of my prayers every morning. True, a mother holds every title. She could do everything, in my opinion. Though I am not a mother yet, I could relate to this book. I see my mother as what the book defines as a mother here. Nisha, your review is phenomenal!

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 07:34
by Nisha DSouza
Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: โ†‘11 May 2023, 06:48 I like that the author begins with a serenity prayer; that is one of my prayers every morning. True, a mother holds every title. She could do everything, in my opinion. Though I am not a mother yet, I could relate to this book. I see my mother as what the book defines as a mother here. Nisha, your review is phenomenal!
I completely agree with everything you shared about a mother. From where I come, a maternal aunt is known as "Mausi" which means "like a mother." So you too are like a mother to your cutie niece. :angelic-sunshine:

Thank you, Hazel, for stopping by and sharing your lovely comments. I am touched. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™ :text-thankyouyellow:

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 13:15
by Chris Agbara
This is a heartfelt review of "Being Mother" by Muriel M. Sideris! I appreciate how the book emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care for mothers without feeling guilty or selfish. The author's insights and practical suggestions provide valuable wisdom for readers. Your rating of 5 stars reflects the book's positive impact and the author's ability to convey the message effectively. I would definitely recommend this book to any individual raising a child.

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 11 May 2023, 20:28
by Hazel Mae Bagarinao
Nisha DSouza wrote: โ†‘11 May 2023, 07:34
Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: โ†‘11 May 2023, 06:48 I like that the author begins with a serenity prayer; that is one of my prayers every morning. True, a mother holds every title. She could do everything, in my opinion. Though I am not a mother yet, I could relate to this book. I see my mother as what the book defines as a mother here. Nisha, your review is phenomenal!
I completely agree with everything you shared about a mother. From where I come, a maternal aunt is known as "Mausi" which means "like a mother." So you too are like a mother to your cutie niece. :angelic-sunshine:

Thank you, Hazel, for stopping by and sharing your lovely comments. I am touched. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™ :text-thankyouyellow:
Aww, that's so sweet of you to say that. I hope I have more patience being a "Mausi" to my little niece and nephew.

You're welcome, Nisha!

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 12 May 2023, 01:59
by Nisha DSouza
Chris Agbara wrote: โ†‘11 May 2023, 13:15 This is a heartfelt review of "Being Mother" by Muriel M. Sideris! I appreciate how the book emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care for mothers without feeling guilty or selfish. The author's insights and practical suggestions provide valuable wisdom for readers. Your rating of 5 stars reflects the book's positive impact and the author's ability to convey the message effectively. I would definitely recommend this book to any individual raising a child.
Thank you so much, Chris, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 12 May 2023, 12:21
by momanyi enock
The author of "Being Mother" encourages mothers to practice self-love and self-care without feeling guilty or selfish. The book offers valuable insights and practical suggestions, such as surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and praising children for their inherent virtues instead of superficial attributes. Despite some repetitive thoughts and a few grammatical errors, the book is recommended for any individual raising a child. It reminds readers that self-love and motherhood can go hand in hand and that being a happy and confident mother will naturally raise self-conscious and appreciative adults.

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 12 May 2023, 12:56
by Sarah Zain
I can feel the connection to the concept of this book. As a mother, I loved very much the idea of โ€‹โ€‹self-esteem and appreciate what we do so that we can give love. As a daughter I saw what my mother did for us, and I very much appreciate what the author is discussing here. Your review is beautiful and special. Well done Nisha

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 12 May 2023, 20:55
by Nisha DSouza
momanyi enock wrote: โ†‘12 May 2023, 12:21 The author of "Being Mother" encourages mothers to practice self-love and self-care without feeling guilty or selfish. The book offers valuable insights and practical suggestions, such as surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and praising children for their inherent virtues instead of superficial attributes. Despite some repetitive thoughts and a few grammatical errors, the book is recommended for any individual raising a child. It reminds readers that self-love and motherhood can go hand in hand and that being a happy and confident mother will naturally raise self-conscious and appreciative adults.
Thank you for your comments. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 12 May 2023, 20:57
by Nisha DSouza
Sarah Zain wrote: โ†‘12 May 2023, 12:56 I can feel the connection to the concept of this book. As a mother, I loved very much the idea of โ€‹โ€‹self-esteem and appreciate what we do so that we can give love. As a daughter I saw what my mother did for us, and I very much appreciate what the author is discussing here. Your review is beautiful and special. Well done Nisha
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts and your kind comments. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 13 May 2023, 16:23
by Omneya Shakeep
Oprah Winfrey's words are so true. I remember my grandmother's role in raising me with my mother. It is also true that taking care of yourself helps your children's character development, but it also gives you enough positive energy to function normally under the stress of responsibility, which is huge. As a mother of two, I believe this wholeheartedly, but the problem is always finding time for yourself. By the time I finish taking care of my children, I am too exhausted to do anything else. The most I can give myself is time to relax. Thanks for this engaging and insightful review, Nisha. This is an amazing review! I hope this book appears in my selection soon.

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 13 May 2023, 20:50
by Ama Ra Chi
This review is interesting and honest. Keep it up.

Re: Review of Being Mother

Posted: 13 May 2023, 20:51
by Ama Ra Chi
This review is interesting and honest. Keep it up.