Help! I've Turned Into My Mother

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Book Overview

Warm, witty, and wise--a unique collection of anecdotes and actual conversations helps African American daughters understand, accept, and, if necessary, forgive their mothers.

Tell a woman she's turning into her mother and chances are she will deny it. Some will defy it. Ultimately, however, acceptance will finally set in--like it or not, daughters often emulate their mothers.

In an era when more mothers and daughters are exploring their relationships, Help I've Turned Into My Mother offers an eclectic collection of true stories that provides a unique opportunity for discussion. Readers will see themselves, or others, in these tales from real-life women of all ages, races, and walks of life. Gathered by the author from messages she received on her website, the narratives include delightful reflections on the joys of growing up female, to hilarious accounts of the agony and ecstasy of being a young woman, to heartfelt tributes to parents and mentors who helped smooth the path to adulthood. Written with humor and warmth, they offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration for anyone juggling the diverse demands of life today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593090501
• ISBN13: 9781593090500
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Strebor Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Like mother like daughter

When I picked up HELP! I expected just a humorous account of the many antics of mothers. But I was thoroughly delighted to actually find instead, this collection of wonderful stories that evokes tears, squeezes your heart, and makes you reminisce. And surprisingly, shares how these unsuspecting daughters now find themselves doing some of the same 'dreadful' things. ReShonda Tate Billingsley did extensive research with women from all walks of life, gathering positive and negative experiences about one of the most influential persons in a young girl's life. Housed in a little over one hundred pages are real-life mother-daughter anecdotes that reflect the agony and ecstasy of growing up. And the wisdom that comes when the shoe is on the other foot. These accounts are hilarious but heartfelt as daughters pay homage to those who helped direct their paths to adulthood. HELP! I've Turned into My Mother is written with sincerity, warmth and humor. Readers will be inspired and encouraged as they read of the struggles today's mothers will overcome and the triumphs they will obtain simply because of some patented lessons learned from, of all people, their Mothers! Reviewed by aNN of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Heartfelt tribute to mothers

This book is a collection of endearing memories, opinions and quotes dedicated to the praises of all mothers out there; whether they are mothers through childbearing or the Angels of Mercy who God sends to rescue those who don't have the maternal love from their mothers who birthed them. It's humorous, wise and solemn at times. An enjoyable read, possibly provoking thoughts and memories of your own mother as or those whose stood in the place of mothers who disowned their children, as you read. A book of reflections, reiterating that a mother's sacrifices, discipline and nagging are not too welcomed when we're young, but as the years roll by the voices of these woman stand to reason that "mama's" ways weren't so bad after all; in fact it's just what's needed to navigate in this life. It affirms that a mother's example, love, persistence, wisdom and sacrifices are as strong as the Rock of Gilbrator. The storms will come and the winds will blow, but nothing solidifies a person more than the firm foundation that a mother instills in her child. My favorite reminder was found in chapter one titled, "BECAUSE I SAID SO". I can definitely relate with that one. Star Rating:****.4.0

Praise God for mama!

Everyday someone reminds me how much I'm like my mama. I used to feel offended but now I simply smile and say "Thank You". Help! I've Turned Into My Mother is a uplifting collection of stories and common "mama sayings" that will remind you of growing up. When you were younger it may have seemed like your mother was your worst enemy but as you mature you realize she was only looking out for your best interest. However, everyone isn't blessed to have that loving, caring, do whatever you need to have done mother. If that is the case, this book will offer ways to mend that broken heart and fortify your spirit so that you can forgive and move on. The book has four sections which offer a humorous take on what mama used to say. Part one deals with the realization that you just might be just like your mama - whether you like it or not. Part two deals with understanding that mama had rhyme for the reasons she always presented to you. Part three will assist you in moving on with your life - despite what your mama may have or may not have done for you. Part four offers heart warming tales of mothers and the lessons that they taught. ReShonda has done it again...written one more book that lift our spirits and encourage us to look past the hurt and search for deeper meaning. Help! I've Turned Into My Mother is a unique compilation of anecdotes, sayings, and conversations that will make you laugh, cry, and recognize that you are not alone in life because everybody has a crazy mama story. Take the time to pick up the book, read it, and keep it close by so when your daughter starts tripping you can pull it out and let her know she too will soon be just like mama. Reviewed by: M. Bruner Email: deltareviewer@yahoo.com

She's talking about my mother

I absolutely loved this book. I felt like the author was talking about my mother. Her stories were funny and I definitely could relate. I also plan to pass this book on to my sister, who definitely needs to heal her relationship with our mother. And the stories at the end were an added bonus. I especially like K's and Peggy's story. Wonderful book.