Book Review: "Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes" by Alexa Martin
“Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes” by Alexa Martin
Synopsis: Jude Andrews is famous. Well, at least on Instagram. Her brand is clean eating, good vibes, Pilates, and casually looking like a sun-kissed goddess. In real life, however, she's a total disaster. She has a strained relationship with her fame-hungry mom and her latest bad decision emptied out her entire savings account.
Lauren Turner had a plan: graduate medical school and become the top surgeon in the country. But when she became unexpectedly pregnant, those plans changed. And when her fiancé left her, they changed again. Now navigating the new world of coparenting, mom groups, and dating, she decides to launch a mommy podcast with all the advice she wishes someone had given her.
Jude and Lauren don't have much in common, but maybe that's why they've been best friends since the third grade. Through ups and downs, they've been by each other's sides. But now? They're broke, single, and do the only thing that makes sense--move in together, just like they talked about when they were teenagers. Except when they were younger, the plan didn't include a five-year-old daughter and more baggage than their new townhouse can hold.
Rating: 4
Trigger Warnings: substance abuse and alcoholism, emotional gaslighting
Review: Looking at the cover of this book, I was expecting a light and frothy read, perfect for a Friday evening on my balcony with a glass of wine. After all, look at it — it’s bright and colorful! so cute! — but I should have known better. Alexa Martin always goes just a little bit deeper, and it’s why she is one of my favorite contemporary writers.
I’m the first to admit my love for Alexa is well-documented around here — but it’s for good reason! Her Mustangs series was one of the bright spots of 2020 for me, and I have to admit I was sad that we wouldn’t be returning to it with her newest work. I shouldn’t have doubted her. When will I ever learn that new is usually great?
This is the story of Jude and Lauren — two opposites attract best friends who decide to take their relationship to the next level. Not like that; get your head out of the gutter. They end up as roommates and podcast co-hosts, and this book traces a few key months in their lives. I really didn’t know what to expect when I picked this one up, and it made the story that much more enjoyable, so I don’t want to say more than that. But, I’ll channel my inner Stefon and say, this book has everything: asshole lawyers, tequila shots, snotty playground moms, reality TV, best friends, cute boys — what more could you want?
At its heart, “Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes” is really an ode to female friendships. I have joked many (many) times with my best girlfriends that there is nothing I would love more than to live with them on a compound. It sounds so ideal — in theory. Alexa takes that conceit and turns it on its head by exposing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just because your BFF may be your soulmate doesn’t mean they should be your roommate.
All in all, I was surprised at how much this book made me think — about loving ourselves and our people, about the role of our real and chosen families, and about what we really deserve to do for ourselves. Here, I’ll really stress to not judge a book by its cover; it isn’t just another chick lit love story, it’s a wonderful look at the highs and lows of growing up, growing apart, and growing together.
TL;DR: A surprisingly thought-provoking look at female friendship, single motherhood, and making it work - however you can - with Alexa Martin’s signature wit and charm.
If You Liked This, Try These:
“The Happily Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez - Bookshop | Kindle
“Serena Singh Flips the Script” by Sonya Lalli - Bookshop | Kindle | My Review
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