Here at Life Of A Nerdish Mum, I've been looking forward to taking part in the review of Bad Mommy Stay Mommy by Elisabeth Horan.
Bad Mommy Stay Mommy
Elisabeth Horan was in the grip of postpartum depression after the birth of her second son, 'red and writhing a salamander underfoot'. In this collection, Elisabeth finds the courage to survive. Uplifting, guttural: Horan leaves her reader roaring for more.
My Review
Bad Mommy Stay Mommy has been one of my most anticipated reads so far this year. A collection of poems about motherhood and mental health, is definitely my cup of tea.
It's strange I have to say, as I started to read through the poems, I felt less alone and that feeling only strengthened the further I got through the collection. Being a parent can be a very lonely state, even if you have a partner and a support system in place, you have thoughts and feelings and struggles and you think that you are the only person who has felt that particular way. You feel guilty for thinking certain things and unsure about if you are ever doing the right thing. No one really ever talks about this because you don't want to be judged. Elisabeth Horan has enough bravery for all of us though and shows us that it's ok to feel the way you feel and that no, you are not alone!
Having had post natal depression after having mini Nerdling, there were certain poems in the collection that really spoke to me and I found myself crying more than once. Not through sadness, but through acceptance and realisation that the way I felt was valid.
Horan's writing is eloquent, honest and sometimes brutal and I enjoyed every single page. I will definitely be dipping in and out of this book again and again in the future.
I feel the poem "Therapy" almost at the end of the collection, is one of my favourites. It portrays a journey and has a feeling of celebration that she has worked hard to get to where she is and deserves to be there. I also love the Shawshank Redemption reference.
I gave this book 5 stars.
About The Author
Elisabeth Horan is an imperfect creature advocating for animals, children and those suffering alone and in pain - especially those ostracised by disability and mental illness. Elisabeth is honoured to serve as Poetry Editor at Anti-Heroin Chic Magazine, and is Co-Owner of Animal Heart Press. She recently earned her MFA from Lindenwood University and received a 2018 Best of the Net Nomination from Midnight Lane Boutique, and a 2018 Pushcart Prize Nomination from Cease Cows.
Elisabeth lives in rural Vermont with her husband and two young sons. When not being poet, she works as a secretary and loves riding horses & dancing the salsa---
Follow her on Twitter @ehoranpoet & ehoranpoet.comDon't Forget To Check Out The Rest Of The Tour
