Three Books for Grandmothers
While there are a lot of books on the shelves for grandparents, these three are written specifically for grandmothers. They are perfect if you want to know more about the grandmother experience or how to leave an impact on your grandchildren. Take a look at the following reviews to see which one you’ll read to complement your own grandmother journey.
Becoming Grandma
by Lesley Stahl
When Lesley Stahl became a grandmother, she was stunned by the way it affected her emotionally. Ever the reporter, she set about to find out whether her experience was the norm. Becoming Grandma is the engaging, informative result of her research.
As she shares stories of her transformation into Grandma, she explores the ways grandparents can play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. Here is the weakest part of the book: there is a definite bias towards the experience of privileged grandparents. Since Stahl’s book is part memoir, this bias is understandable. However, those looking for a more inclusive book may not find it here.
Stahl also offers insight into the complexities of a being a grandparent in today’s world. A child may have four sets of grandparents, making time with a grandchild a limited resource. Parents are inundated with parenting advice from the internet, leaving them even more frazzled than past generations. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the current parent-grandparent landscape. This well researched book is well worth reading—buy a copy and lend it out to your grandmother friends. Find it on Amazon.
What Keeps Me Standing: Letters from Black Grandmothers on Peace, Hope and Inspiration
by Dennis Kimbro
Over a period of five years, Dennis Kimbro contacted one thousand grandmothers--women from a wide range of backgrounds and locations--asking, "If you had to write a one page letter to your children or the next generation, what would you tell them about life?" ~from the publisher
At the very least, Kimbro’s collection of letters from Black grandmothers will captivate you. The lessons these women want to share with their grandchildren, the wisdom they have gathered through their struggles and triumphs, the love and support they offer through the words they write—all prove the importance of grandparents in a child’s life. At the very best, you’ll be motivated to write a letter to your own grandchildren. The inspirational letters in Kimbro’s book show the value of putting your heart on paper. Find it on Amazon.
Eye of My Heart: 27 Writers Reveal the Hidden Pleasures and Perils of Being a Grandmother
by Barbara Graham
In Eye of My Heart, Barbara Graham shares 27 essays from beloved authors that explore the writers' roles as grandmother. With writers ranging from Elizabeth Bern to Bharati Mukherjee, a wide range of grandmother experiences are shared. You'll recognize the joy and pain described in each chapter, and realize how many ways “being a grandmother” can be done. The essays examine the secrets of what makes the role of grandparent so special. You’ll gain insight into the complexities of the relationship with your children, as well as the simplicity of the relationship with your grandchildren. Find it on Amazon