Book Beat: Gwendolen Gross' The Other Mother

By Kimberly Baldwin

I'm a mom. And I blog. So, how did I miss the release of Ridgewood resident Gwendolen Gross' third-novel, The Other Mother, last year? Booklist calls it " ... an electrifying complex and explosively gripping portrait of contemporary, have-it-all motherhood," and mom bloggers and online book clubs have been fiercely discussing its "mommy wars" since August.

In case you are also late in picking up on the buzz, the Teaneck-set novel documents the strife between stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and moms who work outside the home (WOTHs). Wrestling with decisions, insecurities, jealousy, and competitions, this book has received much applause from both mom camps. And, though fictional, reviewers consistently praise the author for developing realistic dialogue and believable characters, and inspiring reflection.

I'll be picking up my copy of The Other Mother today; get yours from a favorite book shop or online retailer like Amazon.

And for moms wanting to tell their own stories, Gross welcomes them on her blog. So we're clear, this really isn't your typical blog. Gross posts writing assignments (this week, write for 11 minutes about planting, picking, or ruining -- yes, I said ruining -- flowers) and invites readers to post their work under "comments." Think of it as part writer's workshop, part therapy, and a unique way to connect with other moms around the world.