Good (Enough) Mother - by Ashley Fenker (Paperback)

About the Book

A collection of honest and poignant essays and vignettes from acclaimed writer Ashley Fenker about her journey to motherhood against all medical odds, written for anyone who has wondered if their dream of becoming a mother would come true.

Book Synopsis

A collection of honest and poignant essays and vignettes from acclaimed writer Ashley Fenker about her journey to motherhood against all medical odds, written for anyone who has ever wondered if their dream of becoming a mother would come true.

At 16, Ashley Fenker was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder more common in women decades older than her. She was later stunned to read the words in her medical records: "Spoke to patient about future risks of pregnancy." This was news to her. "The doctor, he lied."

In this new collection of stories and essays, Fenker delves into the complexities of chronic illness, modern motherhood, and faith. She invites readers to confront their own fears and wrestle with questions like: Where do I carry the pain of unmet expectations? How do I live a meaningful and full life? With poetic reflections and the laugh-while-you-cry style readers have come to love, Fenker interweaves snapshots of ordinary grocery lists evolving over time with deeply resonate essays and poems on marriage, creativity, patience, love, and the meaning of being a "good mother." What does it mean to come to the end of our lives and hear, "Job well done"?

Good (Enough) Mother, like the memoirs of Abigail Thomas, Maggie Smith, and Mary Laura Philpott, offers a raw glimpse into the ordinary pain and joy of life. It's an inspirational story about navigating the messy, beautiful, and unpredictable moments that make up the journey to motherhood, reminding readers they're not alone in the wonderfully chaotic and surprising ride.

Review Quotes

"I'm not sure how a book that asks so many questions feels so satisfying, but that is the beauty of these spare and darkly funny essays. Ashley's stories are sad and hopeful and a little bit weird-my very favorite kind. I inhaled this book in one sitting. Ashley's writing is haunting, whether she is imagining her own funeral or making grocery lists. My only complaint is that I want more." -Elizabeth Passarella, author of Good Apple and It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway

"In Good (Enough) Mother, Ashley Fenker explores the mysterious question that brings shallow breath to every mother: Who will we be to our children? Written in a jilted cadence that echoes our collective uncertainty, each essay invites us all to seek - and find - the answers we must." -Erin Loechner, author of Chasing Slow and The Opt-Out Family

"If motherhood was a book it would be exactly this: unexpected, bruisingly beautiful, and overflowing with doubt, paint, new ways to cook chicken, and passion. My must-read for this year." -Lisa-Jo Baker, author of Never Unfriended and It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping

"What does it mean to be a good mom? Ashley Fenker's essay collection, Good (Enough) Mother, explores this question as she chronicles her pilgrimage to becoming a mother and adapting to her new role. The author's candid essays and vignettes-written with an eye for beauty and the craft of a poet-invite readers into Fenker's world as she wrestles with chronic illness, modern expectations of motherhood, and faith. Highly recommended for anyone willing to embrace the beautiful messiness of motherhood." -Sandra Glahn, author of When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility

"Good (Enough) Mother surprised and delighted me. Ashley Fenker's writing is creative and clever, playful and wise. I didn't want it to be over. I can't stop thinking about it. You should read this book." -Christie Purifoy, author of Roots and Sky and Placemaker