Hey, writers and readers!
It’s not a good month without an indie novel or two. Today I’ll be reviewing Small Beginnings: Essays on pregnancy and new motherhood by Brett W Tubbs. I know I normally review indie fantasy/fiction novels, but I just had to share some quick thoughts with you on this collection of essays. They were really moving and delightful.
Check out the review below and make sure to give your two cents in the comments section if you’ve already read the book, too!
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis
“When I first held him in my arms, my heart broke in the best way.”
Brett gives you a real and raw look into her growth throughout her pregnancy—from being a feisty perfectionist into a slightly more aware and humbled new momma. Enjoy these essays about anticipating a first born, dealing with mom shame, to returning back to work life.
What I Enjoyed
As someone who values transparency and rawness, these essays were particularly eye-opening to Tubb’s experiences as an expecting mother. She uses her already established voice to convey deep truths in such a short read. There were points that I—a married woman with no kids of my own—was deeply touched by Tubb’s realness with her readers. Her advice and lessons could help anyone along their journey to parenthood, really.
Even though this is a collection of essays, you could see Brett as a “character” and her growth from the beginning of her pregnancy to the conclusion of the piece. The metaphor of a small beginning doesn’t just apply to the literal beginning of her son’s life, but the signs of her beginning as a mom and to her partial annoyance, her new personality shifts.
These essays had me crying real tears. You can’t get through this piece without feeling some deep connections with her and her story. And yes, there is a very happy ending to her story.
My Final Thoughts
This collection of essays are for everyone—from veteran mothers, new mothers, to aspiring mothers or women who don’t desire to be mothers at all. I think every reader can benefit from gems within Tubb’s essays on navigating life when you wish you could properly prepare for snags along the way.
I hope I shared enough to still pique your curiosity without giving too much away. If you’d like to learn more about Brett Tubbs and her work, you can catch up with her via social media:
Have you read this novel? Share with me in the comments! You can also see all of my other book reviews by checking our the Book Reviews tab.
Whitney, you have made my day. Actually, probably my month. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to review this. I’m not on an island!!!!
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