Relatability makes us all feel more comfortable, but author Abbie Halberstadt urges that we seek conformity above relatability: conformity to Christ. I chose to listen to the audiobook version instead of reading the print copy, and it’s fun to hear Abbie’s voice narrating her own stories. Somehow, she manages to stay relatable as an author even as she calls us to reject easy mediocrity.
This was an excellent book, written humbly by a mother still in the trenches with a houseful of toddlers to teens. I was especially convicted by her challenge to speak words of kindness to our families. In the midst of weariness, harsh or critical speech can be easy to turn to, but we are called to a better and higher standard.
Mothers who are in need of encouragement to patiently train young children will feel refreshed for the job ahead of them after reading this book. Moms who could use some ideas about how to have “the talk,” will feel more equipped and less fearful after Halberstadt’s straightforward encouragement to let your kids learn about sex from you instead of the world. And then, of course, most of us could use an occasional kick in the pants to complain less, eschew laziness, and seek Christ more. M is for Mama happily gives us this gentle kick.
I intend to re-read M is for Mama, and that is the highest compliment I can pay a book! Yes, this one is worth your time.
My other favorite read so far this year is Everything Sad is Untrue, a beautifully funny and heart-wrenching memoir. Here is my mini review of Everything Sad.