Mommy Wars by Leslie Morgan Steiner (2006, Hardcover)

I'm not a mommy yet, but I know someday I will struggle with the decision to be a working mother or a stay-at-home mother.

This book is a collection of essays by mothers on all sides of the question. They describe catfights with other mothers or childless co-workers, husbands both helpful and not, pushy mother-in-laws, uncooperative children. They also describe the rewards, fulfillment, and promise brought by their children.

I've cried many times while reading this book, and smiled even more. Very thought provoking essays.

The essays include:

Baby Battle, by Susan Cheever

The Donna Reed Syndrome, by Lonnae O'Neal Parker

Mother Superior, by Catherine Clifford

Good Enough, by Beth Brophy

Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn, by Lois R. Shea

I Hate Everybody, by Leslie Lehr

Before; After, by Molly Jong-Fast

I Do Know How She Does It, by Ann Misiaszek Sarnoff

Working Mother, Not Guilty, by Sara Nelson

I Never Dreamed I'd Have So Many Children, by Lila Neff

On Being a Radical Feminist Stay-at-Home Mom, by Inda Schaenen

My Baby's Feet Are Size 13, by Iris Krasnow

Peace and Carrots, by Carolyn Hax

Some of the essays are exhausting to read, and I find I can only manage one or two a night. Definitely good reading to hear perspectives from moms dealing with various issues, exhaustion, and choices.