Title: Mommy Wars Editor: Leslie Morgan Steiner type of book: Non-Fiction call number: 306.874/Mom

This book is strong in language.

Summary:
Twenty-six essays from outspoken mothers (most established authors) explore the toughest decision women face -- to stay home with children or pursue a career; a decision that "divides mothers into hostile defensive camps but also pits individual women against themselves."

I might recommend this book.

Why?
I became interested in the topic after a perceived hostile remark from a stay-at-home mom sparked a defensive response in this mom-with-fulltime-employment (which fortunately did not reach my lips.) Days later I read a glowing review about this new collection of essays.

Unfortunately, almost all the essays are by wealthy New Yorkers with solidly-employed husbands and the luxury of "choosing" their employment path. If they chose to stay at home, they still employed child care. They discuss the trauma of getting a decent nanny, or their conflicts about stepping over their children in doorways as they catch planes to LA for a sitcom production meeting.

I found some common ground with these women as far as their emotional connection to their children and the balance they tried to create with work and home, but the day-to-day problems were so foreign it was still hard to relate.

Employee Initials: SB Review Date: May 2006

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