Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do

by Wednesday Martin Narrated by Cris Dukehart

Overview

What makes stepmothering so hard? And why are we, as people and a culture, so hard on stepmothers? How can we make it easier?


Stepmonster is a truly unique and groundbreaking book for women with stepchildren, men with kids who repartner, adult stepchildren, and anyone who cares about them. It is a comprehensive, cross-cultural, research-based reconsideration of stepfamily dynamics-from the perspective of the stepmother. How does she think, act, and feel, and why?


Part no-holds barred memoir of stepmothering in the trenches, part analysis of why stepmothering is tough and steps women with stepkids can take to thrive, Stepmonster has been hailed as "the thinking woman's guide to stepmothering" and "life altering," igniting conversations, controversy, and changes in how we perceive and experience stepmothering.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

Martin has written an eye-opening book about the world of stepfamilies, with a focus on the stepmother. Her well-researched work delves into the animal world, fairy tales, psychology, and sociobiology as she examines from every angle the myth that a well-blended, happy stepfamily is easy to achieve. Sometimes offering differing points of view, she describes examples from animal and bird families, demonstrating the great diversity throughout the animal kingdom and the behavior of many creatures in nonnuclear families. Many animals are not leading the life portrayed in The Brady Bunch any more than the people with whom Martin talked. While the author admits that there are some families who manage to work well, she was reassured in her own role as stepmother that the frustrations she has experienced are not at all uncommon. Stepmothers, no matter how hard they try, are battling odds that appear to be stacked against them. Martin's questions about the normality of her experience will help validate those who find themselves in a similar situation. [See Prepub Alert, LJ1/09.]
—Margaret Cardwell

From the Publisher

"Fascinating... Informative and carefully researched." -Salon.com

"[Martin's] insights and advice are more clear and articulate than those offered in any other book on the subject that's currently available." -LA Examiner

"For women who find themselves in a similar family dynamic, Martin's book should come as a welcome relief, and proof that they are not alone." -Bust

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From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"[Martin's] well-researched work delves into the animal world, fairy tales, psychology, and sociobiology " —Library Journal

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170818303
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	09/29/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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