What makes anyone a parent? Is it the mere act of having a child? Perhaps if we stop pretending that we are raising our children and accept that we are in fact, being raised by them, the world would be a happier place. This little book - part fable, part zen and part conversational reflects on the wisdom of a child Mo as he navigates the world around him along with his mother who is often equally, if not more at sea. Two people negotiating parenthood and childhood make Raising Mamma a delightful and poignant read. Raising Mamma is a delightful read that takes a refreshing point of view which is such a relief from other books you read on children that tell you to do this and that and preach stuff. Here instead of the do's and don'ts, you get a voice that is more understanding and empathetic. Basically, I loved it and recommend it. It's immersive. I finished in three sittings and it's that pacey, engaging and an easy read. I am an aunt to two kiddos, and I found it helpful and thoroughly entertaining. Love the voice of Mo and its entertaining because of the entire concept of writing from kid's perspective it is novel. It busts some myths on guilt which so many grownups tend to go through. Kids are smart, and this book treats them like that which is so important that I think everyone should have a sane voice that tells them, it's okay to be like who you are. While this book is for mumsies and popsies, I firmly think an entertaining book like Raising Mama should be read by aunts and uncles and everyone. Lalita Iyer writes for children and grownups and doesn’t believe in picking a side. Her books include The Boy Who Swallowed a Nail and Other Stories, The Whole Shebang, I’m Pregnant, Not Terminally Ill, You Idiot! and more recently, Sridevi: Queen of Hearts. She’s a Sangam House Fellow and has been a journalist and columnist, having written for Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Times of India, India Today, National Geographic Traveller, Hindu, Elephant Journal, among others. She is being raised by two boys, one of whom is feline.
