Bad Mom Book Club

We've got divorced moms, contract killers, and unfit parents. What are you reading right now?

It’s been a minute since we’ve talked books, so here’s a roundup of what I’ve been reading and loving lately. And I swear I did not plan this, but there is a clear theme of moms breaking bad—or at least, dismantling a lot of bullshit norms. What can I say, I love to be on brand!

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I’ll be honest: The Substack landscape has changed; conversion rates are lower and churn is higher this year. That’s my business to figure out, not yours. But I will say this: If you value keeping Burnt Toast an ad- and sponsor-free space, paid subscriptions are how we do that.

Books You Should Buy Right Now

This American Ex-Wife by Lyz Lenz

Now out in paperback!!! My interview with lyz was your favorite podcast episode of 2024, and a few of you let me know it also helped you figure out your own divorces, to which I can only say… it’s an honor! So if you haven’t read this one yet, now is probably the time. (No it doesn’t require you to get divorced.)

The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas About How to Be a Good Mom by Nancy Reddy

Well it’s blurbed by Sara Petersen (who interviews Nancy here) and Catherine Newman so you really don’t need to hear anything further! But if you too find yourself regularly struggling to break a “good mom” rule and need to understand the larger system that has sold us this myth and why—this is the book! (Nancy is also an OG Burnt Toastie, so ofc we stan.)

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

A divorced mom with a shitty ex inadvertently becomes a contract killer of shitty men to make ends meet. A fast, funny caper that I am delighted to learn is the first in a series, so I will now be devouring them all.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

When Corinne Fay, greta johnsen, and sooo many Burnt Toasties all tell you to read a book, you listen. Margo gets knocked up by her college professor, keeps the baby, and winds up with an OnlyFans account to pay the bills, while also rebuilding her relationship with her drug addict dad. It’s a powerful indictment of the hypocrisy of the “pro-life” movement and our society’s utter failure to have any kind of safety net for new moms or anyone struggling, period. But there is such a lightness to this story—I tore through in less than 24 hours on vacation, and now I want more people to read it so we can debate the ending.

Books You Should Preorder Right Now

I know it’s annoying to tell you about books that aren’t out YET, but preordering is such a crucial way to support authors we love — so here are three I’ve preordered and hope you will consider adding to cart now.

Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World by Jessica Slice.

Angela Garbes calls this book “a love letter to disabled parenting,” and Aubrey Gordon says it’s “a must-read for anyone committed to building a just and accessible world for parents and kids alike.” I’m forever fascinated by how we moralize both motherhood and bodies, so cannot wait to dive into this one. Out April 15! So soon!

Hello, Cruel World! Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times by Melinda Wenner Moyer.

Full disclosure: Melinda is my good friend and neighbor and I blurbed this book but I was DELIGHTED to do so. And feel strongly that you should preorder it before it’s May release, because we are, in fact, parenting in truly unprecedented, terrifying times and Melinda’s research into how to continue to raise kids who are thoughtful citizens, independent thinkers, and generally great humans is deeply reassuring. (So is her stance on screen time!)

Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family by Ash Brandin.

OK I haven’t read this one yet, but I am hotly anticipating it because TheGamerEducator is my go-to voice of reason whenever I’m spinning out about my children’s various video game obsessions. Preorder this baby so August You can not panic about the inevitable end of summer screen time deluge!

Now tell us: What are you reading and loving right now? Or if you need a book rec, tell us what you love to read—someone here will nail it!

You can also check our recent book chat, which is just brimming with amazing recs.

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Plus So Many Good Online Reads

Something you might not know about me is that I have public speaking anxiety (though it’s more like…event logistics anxiety? I’m actually fine once I start speaking, but I get very stressed about all the details in the ramp up, and always want to cancel in the week before I have to leave my house!). So I super appreciate this piece, which is applicable to any other flavor of anxiety too.

Elise Hu on how digital culture is reshaping our faces and bodies (screams into void).

Should we buy our teenage daughters vibrators? Rebecca Woolf is convincing me.

A totally different (and truly inclusive!!) way to think about running.

The Girl Scouts don’t need to hear your cookie feelings.

Confidential to the BT birding fans (there are a lot of you!): Here’s my mom talking about bird watching as community building!

Please, for the love of God, don’t give your dog your Ozempic! (Can’t believe this needs to be said.)

The trad wives make so much food, but do they let themselves eat it?

Health teachers need to be able to talk about gender identity. Super important read from Christopher Pepper.

I'm excited that Katherine Goldstein has just launched a very timely year-long project called The How to Find Your People Club. If making connections and investing in IRL community is on your to-do list like it’s on mine, you’ll love this. (Katherine is currently writing a book about community, and sharing what she's learning with her newsletter readers.

Stop telling divorced women you’re sorry!

Love this chat between Dana Miranda, CEPF and Melinda Wenner Moyer about how budget culture impacts parenting. See also: This chat between Dana and Anne Helen Petersen.

I wrote about Ozempic and marriage a few weeks ago, and also loved this take by Amanda Martinez Beck, and this one from lyz.

21 ways to stay sane.

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