The Motherhood Manifesto, a book written by co-authors Joan Blades and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, is nothing shy of literary, social, and family genius. This book of "What America's Moms Want -- And What to Do About It" tells a non-fiction tale of what it is like for today's moms to try to raise children while also supplementing or supporting the family finances. As the cost of living escalates, so does the demand for mothers to enter the workforce. To help alleviate the stress placed on famililes to pay for homes, put gas in the car, clothe children, and, in some cases, put food on the table, more and more mothers around the country are faced with the choice between providing for their children or raising them. The Motherhood Manifesto recognizes this trend and discusses these conflicts in a manner that is enlightening, entertaining, and self-realizing. Using actual case scenarios and an abundance of provocative research, Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner manage to lure the reader from one sentence to another, one chapter to the next, one possibility at a time.
The Motherhood Manifesto is not merely about the problem; it is about finding and implementing a solution. In their book, Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner do just that. Throughout each chapter, every obstacle mentioned is hurdled and overcome by the intuitive understanding and firm reiteration of progressive concepts demonstrated by Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner. The two never present a mother's sufferage without providing clear information on how the problem was, or might be, minimized or resolved. If Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner discuss a single mother who cannot afford to pay for acceptable childcare so she can work to pay necessary bills; or a mother who is faced with the decision of quitting a desirable or lucrative job versus staying home with the kids; or a mother who would like to work part time but can't afford to lose any health insurance benefits, then they follow up with well-founded, possible remedies. In their Manifesto , Rowe and Finkbeiner provide ample statistical research that is both informative and entirely engaging.
In The Motherhood Manifesto, Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner create a powerful, persuasive declaration of scenarios and solutions for any woman who is, will be, wants to be, or is afraid to become a mother. The high cost of living and the prospect of someone else rearing our children is a huge stressor for many families. Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner, however, want to reassure the mothers, women, fathers, childcare workers, bosses, healthcare representatives, government officials, and any other individual or organization, that raising children and providing for them does not have to be an either/or situation. Using The Motherhood Manifesto as a guide, Blades and Rowe-Finkbeiner not only resolve that things must change to get better, but they incite each and every one of their readers, man or woman, to become and advocate and activist for the cause: American children and families.